LAHORE, Jan 28 (ABC): Winter rains are bringing relief to Rabi crops across Punjab, especially wheat and oilseeds, as farmers face reduced water availability due to seasonal canal closures.
Agriculture and irrigation experts say the rainfall has improved soil moisture and supported crop growth at a critical stage. They add that the rains have eased pressure on farmers who rely on limited canal supplies during winter.
Wheat output outlook improves
The wheat crop, sown on more than 1.65 million acres across Punjab, is expected to produce around 20 million tonnes this year.
Large areas are also under oilseeds, including rapeseed, mustard and sunflower. Pulses such as gram have also been cultivated widely across the province.
“These rains reduce the need for artificial irrigation,” said Dr Ghulam Zakir Hassan Sial, Director of the Irrigation Research Institute, Punjab. He said rainfall of three to four millimetres can save the cost of one irrigation for farmers.
Relief for rain-fed and arid areas
Talking to Wealth Pakistan, Dr Sial said winter rains are especially important for barani, or rain-fed, areas because they directly affect the national food supply.
He said recent rainfall in Thal districts, including Mianwali, Bhakkar, Layyah, Muzaffargarh, Khushab, Sargodha and Jhang, has improved conditions in the arid belt.
He added that even canal-commanded areas have benefited after a prolonged dry spell. In the Pothohar region, he said, two to three rainfall spells during January and February are vital for achieving good wheat yields.
Rainfall offsets canal closures
Punjab has faced water shortages since December 26 after the closure of 21 major canals under the Tarbela and Mangla commands.
Experts say the winter rains have helped offset the impact of these closures on agriculture.
Agriculture specialists describe winter rain as a tonic for Rabi crops. The rainfall lowers temperatures and supplies natural nutrients, said Dr Anjum Ali Buttar, a consultant at the Punjab Agriculture Department.
He said smog during November and December blocked sunlight and slowed plant growth across Punjab. Rainfall reduced smog levels and improved photosynthesis, helping crops recover.
Dr Buttar added that rainwater deposits natural nitrogen into the soil, reducing the need for chemical fertilisers and lowering production costs. He said wheat grows best in cool weather with moderate rainfall, with ideal winter temperatures ranging from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius.
“With favourable weather conditions, the wheat crop in Punjab is growing well,” he said, expressing hope for a good harvest.