LAHORE: Pakistan’s wheat output is expected to touch a record of around 26 million tons in the present season, which could be a tad short of the annual target.
This has been attributed to a rise in fertilizer offtake despite low acreage, reported The News.
Surveys conducted with farmers and industry pundits by The News across Punjab revealed this year’s wheat output could range around 26 million targets against forecast of 26.46 million tons considering water shortage, late sowing and lower acreage.
This figure determined by the survey could complement the expected wheat output forecast by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (26 million tons).
Industry experts believed rise in fertilizer consumption was a major reason which has driven the healthy crop outlook.
The low acreage issue was counterbalanced by the increase in fertilizer offtake. Although farmers still dread persisting water shortage and above-average temperature could impact production if this trend continued.
According to a senior official of Punjab agriculture department, the wheat output would be around 2017’s level considering lower plantation this year.
Director General, provincial Agriculture Extension Department, Zafar Yab Haider predicted around 19 million tons of wheat production in Punjab this year. He said water shortage was a major source of worry, but two timely rains during dry period had offset the worse impacts of water shortage.
Director Farmer Associated Pakistan, Zafar Hayat stated water shortage and higher temperatures have a great impact on output of every winter crop.
Mr. Hayat who hails from Multan said temperature couldn’t be controlled, but water was manageable in irrigated areas. He added water shortage and higher temperatures have more effect in barani areas compared to lands watered by tube-well or canal.
He said it was way too early to evaluate effect of temperature as night temperatures still remained favourable.
Pakistan Agricultural Research Council member Muhammad Anjum stated wheat remained largely unsafe to heat.
He added high temperatures in southern and central parts during March remained a major worry. Anjum said terminal heat problem could be a possibility if 32 centigrade temperature continues for an extended period in coming days and another spell of rain could reduce these threats.
