Punjab Agriculture Minister Malik Nauman Ahmad Langrial has claimed that as per initial estimates wheat, maize and fodder crops standing over an area of 35,000 acres of land have been damaged by the recent spell of hailstorm, rain and dust-storm. He said a survey of the damages will be carried out by the disaster management authority and the administrations of the districts concerned to finalize the loss estimates and start compensation to the affected growers.
Langrial said the government was fully cognizant of the loss of growers as the recent spell has damaged the wheat and maize. "Despite these damages, we will try to achieve the production target of wheat," he claimed.
Meanwhile, the provincial Agriculture department has also released recommendations for managing the crops during rains and advised the growers to stop harvesting their crop in case of rain forecast. The growers should also cover the harvested crop with a tarpaulin or plastic sheet. They should remain alert towards weather forecast being broadcast on radio and television.