Recent rains bring relief for crops, except wheat

WEB DESK: Recent rains in Pakistan are expected to bring both positive and challenging outcomes for Rabi crops, according to the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R).

While oil seeds like mustard and canola, as well as gram, are likely to benefit from the precipitation, the outlook for wheat, a vital cash crop, appears less promising.

The MNFS&R official highlighted the detrimental effect of prolonged dry spells on gram crops, making the recent rains crucial for their recovery.

However, for wheat crops currently in the spike formation stage, the official expressed concerns about the limited positive impact of the rains, especially in rain-fed areas, which contribute to 10 per cent of total wheat production.

The Federal Committee on Agriculture (FCA) set ambitious production targets in October 2023, aiming for 32.2 million tonnes of wheat from 8.9 million hectares for the Rabi Season 2023-2024.

Other Rabi crops, including grams, potatoes, onions, and tomatoes, also have defined production targets.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department’s February outlook predicts near-normal rainfall across the country, offering relief to rain-fed areas.

This is expected to positively influence Rabi crops, mitigating the adverse effects of the preceding dry spell.

Despite the positive prospects, challenges remain, with fog episodes gradually subsiding towards the end of the month.

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