An agriculture expert in Sialkot has issued a crucial advisory to wheat farmers, emphasizing that precise irrigation timing is the key to securing a bumper harvest and conserving vital water resources.
Critical Irrigation Windows for Maximum Yield
Dr Iftikhar Hussain Bhatti, the Assistant Director of the Agriculture Department in Sambrial, communicated through an official message that timely irrigation is a dual-benefit practice. It not only increases the final crop yield but also promotes efficient water use.
He provided specific guidelines based on sowing schedules. For wheat crops sown at the recommended time, the second irrigation should be applied 80 to 90 days after sowing. However, for crops that were planted late, this critical second watering must be given earlier, at 70 to 80 days after sowing, coinciding with the booting stage.
Urea Application and the Booting Stage Imperative
Dr Bhatti also addressed fertilizer management. He advised that if farmers missed applying one bag of urea per acre during the first irrigation, it must be applied without fail during the second irrigation cycle.
He explained the science behind the urgency. The period 80 to 90 days post-sowing marks the start of the booting or ear emergence stage, which is the second critical phase for wheat irrigation. A water shortage at this juncture severely disrupts the fertilization process, leading to fewer grains forming in each ear. The consequence can be a substantial reduction in yield by up to 12 percent. Therefore, ensuring adequate water at the booting stage is non-negotiable for a successful harvest.
Comprehensive Weed Management Strategy
The advisory also covered the essential task of weed control, which poses a significant threat to wheat production. Dr Bhatti informed that, according to experts, weeds have exceeded the economic threshold level in 80 percent of wheat fields, making chemical intervention necessary.
He recommended different approaches for different farming zones. In rain-fed areas, farmers should control weeds through manual or mechanical hoeing. In irrigated areas, a more targeted method is required. Farmers should consult with local Agriculture Department staff to identify and spray recommended herbicides to control both broad-leaf and narrow-leaf weeds effectively.
This comprehensive guidance from the Agriculture Department aims to equip Sialkot's farmers with the knowledge to optimize inputs, combat threats, and ultimately maximize their wheat production in the current season.
