Rising temperatures trigger wheat advisory in Punjab

The Punjab Agriculture Department has cautioned wheat growers about potential crop stress as temperatures across the province have risen लगातार for the past five days, with a further increase forecast over the next seven days.

In a crop management advisory issued on Sunday, the department said the standing wheat crop is currently at a critical growth stage and may face heat stress if precautionary measures are not taken.

Farmers, particularly those in rain-fed barani regions, have been directed to utilize all available irrigation resources according to crop water requirements to protect yield potential.

The advisory also recommends foliar application of a 2 percent solution of urea or potassium nitrate (saltpeter) at the rate of 100 to 120 litres per acre. For improved effectiveness, the spray should be repeated after an interval of seven days.

Growers have further been instructed to conduct regular field inspections and remain vigilant against rust disease. In case of infestation, only the affected areas should be treated with a suitable fungicide after consultation with local agricultural experts, the department spokesperson said.