LAHORE, July 16 (ABC): Paddy transplantation is continuing across Punjab, but limited rainfall in July has slowed the planting of Basmati varieties and raised concerns among growers.
“Punjab has not received sufficient rainfall so far this month, which is essential for cultivating the water-intensive paddy crop,” said Usman Saleem, Senior Scientist at the Rice Research Institute, Kala Shah Kaku, Lahore.
Rainfall critical for paddy cultivation
The Punjab government has set a target of cultivating paddy on 5.5 million acres during the 2026-27 crop season, with expected production of 5.25 million tonnes.
Nationwide, paddy cultivation is projected to cover more than 7.4 million acres, with a production target of 9.17 million tonnes.
Talking to Wealth Pakistan, Usman Saleem said transplantation would accelerate if the province receives sufficient monsoon rainfall in the coming days.
He said timely rainfall would help Punjab achieve its cultivation target. Last year, the province exceeded its paddy cultivation target by 20%.
Fine rice varieties, including Basmati, account for about 65% of Punjab’s paddy cultivation area. Farmers grow coarse varieties, including IRRI and hybrid rice, on the remaining area.
According to Saleem, the ideal period for transplanting Basmati seedlings is July 7 to July 30, while farmers usually transplant coarse varieties between June 20 and July 7.
“If central and northern Punjab receive sufficient rainfall, the cultivation target is likely to be achieved,” he said.
PMD forecasts below-normal rainfall
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), most parts of the country are likely to receive below-normal rainfall during July.
“Upper Punjab, including the paddy-growing belt in the northeastern divisions, is expected to receive below-normal rainfall during the current month,” said Dr Muhammad Zaheer Babar, Chief Meteorologist.
Talking to Wealth Pakistan, he said daytime temperatures are also expected to remain above normal across the country, including Punjab.
He said these weather conditions could increase crop water requirements, affect irrigation schedules, encourage pest populations and create additional crop management challenges.
Exporters express concerns
Rice exporters have also expressed concern over the possible impact of dry weather on rice production and exports.
“Below-normal rainfall may reduce the exportable surplus of rice, which is an important source of foreign exchange earnings,” said Taufiq Ahmad Khan, former Senior Vice Chairman of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan.
Talking to Wealth Pakistan, he said the increasing cultivation of hybrid rice in Punjab has reduced the area under premium Basmati varieties.
He also warned that some dealers were mixing hybrid rice with Basmati, which could damage the reputation of Pakistani Basmati in international markets.
Khan urged the government to strengthen regulation of rice varieties and maintain an efficient value chain from farm to export markets.
He said stronger oversight would improve traceability and help protect Pakistan’s premium Basmati brand in global markets.
