JARANWALA: Director Agriculture (Extension) Chaudhry Khalid Mahmood has issued a strict warning to the farmers against sowing rice nurseries before the officially recommended date, stating that cultivating paddy seedlings before May 20 constitutes a legal offence.
He urged farmers to adhere to the stipulated schedule, explaining that early sowing could reduce crop yields and encourage the spread of stem borers and other pests, which may later devastate the standing crop. Chaudhry Khalid Mahmood noted that shifting rice nurseries immediately after wheat harvesting, and sowing seedlings during March or April, leads to incomplete pollination, fewer grains, or even crop failure. Early cultivation also increases irrigation costs, complicates weed control, and raises the risk of aflatoxin contamination due to higher humidity during the monsoon season.
He emphasized that rice varieties such as Basmati 1509, Indian 1847, Indian 1692, Diamond 109, and Diamond 123 are not suitable for early cultivation under any circumstances.
The Director warned that under the Punjab Agriculture Pests Ordinance 1959 and the Rules of 1960, early sowing of rice nurseries is a punishable offence.
The Punjab government reserves the right to take action against violators, which may include the destruction of the crop.
Farmers have been strongly urged to follow the recommended sowing schedule to avoid potential losses and ensure a healthy harvest.
