The Assistant Director of Agriculture Extension Department Chaudhry Muhammad Akram said that the most suitable time for wheat cultivation in Nankana Sahib is from November 1 to November 30. After November 30, the production of cultivated wheat starts to decrease gradually. According to Agriculture Extension Department, the seed rate for cultivation should be kept at 50 kg per acre till November 30. In irrigated areas, the Department of Agriculture recommends the varieties Akbar 19, Ghazi 19, Bhakkar Star, Fakhr Bhakkar, Anaj 2017, Zincol 2016, Gold 2016, Johar 2016, Borlag 2016, Ujala 2016, and Is 2011. These varieties can be obtained from Seed Corporation depots or authorized dealers.

Farmers should grade home-grown seed of the variety and poison the seeds with thiophenate methyl at the rate of 2 grams per kg of seed before sowing. He also recommended the fertilizer application rates for irrigated areas as weak lands: 2 sacks of DAP, 2 sacks of urea, and 1 sack of SOP per acre, medium grade lands: 1.5 sacks of DAP, 1 sack of urea, and 1 sack of SOP per acre and fertile lands: 1 sack of DAP, 1.5 sacks of urea, and 1 sack of SOP per acre. Farmers are advised to follow these recommendations to achieve optimal wheat production.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)