LAHORE: Wheat crop, a crucial contributor to the country’s food security, is facing a significant threat due to an early and intense heatwave.
Before the forecast of an imminent heatwave, the healthy wheat production of 22.5 million tonnes was officially expected from 16.5 million acres of land in Punjab. However, now, given the changing climate, around 22.1 to 22.3 metric tonnes of production is estimated.
According to experts, weather forecasts indicate a steady rise in temperatures across Punjab and Sindh this year, threatening the productivity of the standing wheat crop.
In Rahim Yar Khan, daytime temperatures are predicted to range from 33 degrees C to 37 degrees C, while nighttime temperatures will be between 18 degrees C and 22 degrees C. Similarly, Sukkur is expected to experience highs of up to 37 degrees C, with lows between 18 degrees C and 23 degrees C.
Punjab and Sindh are witnessing an exceptionally warm start to March, with temperatures 4 degrees C to 8 degrees C warmer than typical March patterns.
The heatwave poses a direct threat to the wheat crop, which is currently in its critical stages of earring and grain-development.
High temperatures above 30-32 degrees C can cause terminal heat stress, leading to forced maturity and reduced yields. This can result in shriveled and lighter grains, reducing overall crop yield by an estimated 10 percent to 20 percent in affected areas.
During the whole month of March, daytime temperatures under 30 degrees C considered optimal for grain filling. However, it is feared that it will be over 30 degrees C from first week of March.
The dry and hot conditions will also increase soil moisture depletion and the crop’s water demand, necessitating increased irrigation frequency. The heat stress can also impact the protein content and milling quality of the wheat, potentially affecting its market value.
The predicted temperatures are significantly higher than last year’s, and the situation requires immediate attention to minimise potential losses. Farmers and agricultural authorities are urged to take necessary measures to protect the wheat crop and ensure food security. The government should also prepare contingency plans to support affected farmers and mitigate the impact of the heatwave on the country’s wheat production.
According to the spokesperson of the Punjab agriculture department, the temperature in the province has been continuously rising over the past five days. Furthermore, an additional increase in temperature has been forecasted for the coming seven days.
Therefore, the official said, wheat growers in rain-fed (barani) areas are advised to utilise all available irrigation resources according to the crop’s requirements. In addition, they should spray a 2.0 per cent solution of urea or potassium nitrate (saltpeter) at the rate of 100 to 120 litres per acre. For better results, the same spray should be repeated after an interval of seven days. Farmers cultivating rain-fed wheat are also advised to regularly inspect their crops. In case of an attack of rust disease, only the affected area should be sprayed with an appropriate fungicide in consultation with local agricultural experts of the agriculture department.
The spokesperson further said that wheat growers in irrigated areas should ensure the judicious use of irrigation resources in case of non-availability of canal water. Depending on prevailing conditions, the general irrigation interval particularly in sandy soils should be reduced. Where irrigation resources are unavailable, farmers should spray a 2.0 per cent solution of urea or potassium nitrate (saltpeter) at the rate of 100 to 120 litres per acre. For improved results, the spray should be repeated after seven days.
