Wheat sowing delayed in Punjab

16-Nov-2024 09:55 AM

Wheat sowing delayed in Punjab
Wheat sowing in Punjab has been delayed this year, primarily due to the prolonged harvesting of paddy and other related challenges. As of now, about 60% of the sowing target has been achieved, with approximately 20 lakh hectares of the planned 35 lakh hectares under wheat cultivation. However, some regions, like Malwa, have not yet started sowing.

The delay is partly attributed to farmers waiting for colder weather conditions, which are ideal for sowing wheat. In addition, there has been a shortage of DAP (Diammonium Phosphate), a key fertilizer, in certain areas, further slowing down the sowing process.

Although 92% of paddy has already been harvested in Punjab, the slow pace of wheat sowing is a trend seen in other states as well, with the primary reason being the delayed harvesting of Kharif crops. This delay is also influencing farmers' decisions, with some considering wheat as a higher priority over crops like cotton this season.

The Agriculture Ministry is closely monitoring the situation, as the sowing pace lags behind last year's figures.