LAHORE, March 11: The Punjab claimed on Wednesday that the latest 22 per cent cut in water supply will not affect the wheat crop which had already been watered thrice.

The cut was much larger than the earlier Indus River System Authority (Irsa) estimate of 11 per cent, but Punjab Irrigation Secretary Javed Majeed said it was more of a notional rather than actual reduction.

Explaining his point of view, he maintained that Punjab had planned its water consumption for the season as per needs rather than availability and had already used most of its water quota. At present, almost 70 per cent of the area is under wheat cultivation which in any case does not need water after March 15.

Punjab supplied water to non-perennial canals from Feb 15 to March 5 and then diverted it to perennial canals. Water was still in the system and may take another few days to reach tail-end areas.

The present so-called shortage is a planned one and would not affect the standing wheat crop. There may be some problem for fodder and gardens, but they can wait for a while.

After March 15, the province plans to completely stop water supply and store water for an early Kharif watering. Jehlum and Kabul were expected to rise early and provide some relief by mid-March, he said.

Punjab Secretary (Agriculture) Arif Nadeem also supported the version of irrigation secretary. Third watering had already been applied and there was no need for water as far as wheat crop was concerned. Barani areas had enough of rains and canals to meet the requirements of wheat crop. Snow had also started melting in the Northern Areas and might bring further relief.

About the expected rise in temperature and its effects on wheat crop, he said it was a natural phenomenon and might affect the crop, but the planners could not do anything about it.

While supporting the official claim of application of third watering, farmers feared that wheat crop might suffer a setback if high temperatures continued.

Brig Abdur Rashid (Retired) of the Farmers Associate of Pakistan (FAP) said the final yield of wheat would depend on weather over the next few weeks. An early rise in temperature may lead to early germination and shrivelling of grain.

Ideally, temperature should not rise beyond 32 degrees Celsius in March. Early hikes are threatening and may affect the final yield, he feared. Should that happen, the country may not be able to achieve the target of 20 million tons.

Meanwhile, the combined flow of Indus, Jehlum, Kabul and Chenab has dropped to 64,500 cusecs. Indus is flowing with 19,700 cusecs, Jehlum with 23,200, Chenab with 14,900 and Kabul with 6,700 cusecs. Tarbela and Mangla have also hit the dead level, leaving the country dependent on rivers' supply.

The DAWN