LAHORE, Nov 10 (Wealth Pakistan) – Wheat sowing in Punjab is gaining strong momentum as farmers rush to complete plantation before the optimal window closes on November 30.
Favorable conditions boost Barani areas
Experts say the Barani, or rain-fed, regions are showing excellent growth conditions this season. The September floods helped restore soil moisture, creating a fertile base for new crops.
“The situation is very favorable for wheat sowing in Punjab,” said Dr. Anjum Ali Buttar, consultant at the Punjab Agriculture Department. “So far, wheat has been sown on more than three million acres. Sowing is in full swing in Rawalpindi and DG Khan divisions, while progress is slower in central Punjab,” he told Wealth Pakistan.
Province targets 16.5 million acres this season
Punjab has set a wheat cultivation target of 16.5 million acres for the 2025–26 season. The recommended varieties include Akbar-2019, Dilkash-2020, Fakhar-e-Bhakkar, Aruj-2022, Nishan, Pakistan-2013, Faisalabad-2008, MH-2021, MA-2021, Subhani-2020, and Wafaq-2023.
“By the end of November, we expect nearly 95 percent of the target to be achieved,” said Dr. Buttar, a former director general of the department. He added that there is no shortage of inputs this year. Around 100,000 bags of certified wheat seed are available with the Punjab Seed Corporation and private companies.
In addition, the Punjab government, under its post-flood relief package, is offering interest-free loans and subsidies to support the cultivation of Rabi (winter) crops.
Floods enhance soil fertility
According to weather specialists, the floods have enriched the soil with organic material and improved its texture.
“The floodwaters increased moisture and deposited fertile alluvial matter,” said Muhammad Riaz, former director general of the Pakistan Meteorological Department. “However, in areas where water stayed longer, the soil has suffered from sand deposits.”
He said that better soil fertility and stable weather would likely result in a healthy wheat harvest this year. “The 2022 floods also produced a bumper crop. This season could bring similar results if sowing continues at the same pace,” Riaz noted.
Farmers worry about delayed sugarcane crushing
Despite optimism, some farmers remain concerned about possible delays in sugarcane harvesting, which could affect timely wheat sowing in Punjab.
“Any delay in the sugarcane crushing season will harm wheat growers,” said Akhtar Farooq Mayo, Chief Organizer of Kissan Board Pakistan. He noted that while the federal government has declared November 15 as the start date for crushing, the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association has not confirmed its readiness.
He urged both federal and provincial authorities to ensure that crushing starts on time and that payments to farmers are made promptly. “Sugar mills should face strict penalties if they delay operations,” Mayo said.