ISLAMABAD: The recent rains have ended the prevalent dry spell and brightened the prospects of the rabi crops, particularly wheat. Though the rains were late, but it would create a positive impact on the germination of grains. Widespread rains have been reported from major parts of the country, which would not only help to overcome the water shortage in the irrigated areas but also augment water storage in the dams.

Dr Iftikhar, an agricultural expert said" "Had the rains taken place earlier, it would have better effects on the cultivation of the wheat crop. However, rain is always helpful." Despite the paucity of rains, wheat has been sown over an area of 7.965 million hectares, this indicates an increase of 0.8 per cent over the last year.

The persistent dry spell had affected the agriculture sector during last year, the rain-fed areas were the most to be affected The wheat crop has been sown over an area of 8259.2 thousand hectares, against the target of 8410 thousand hectares, thus showing a shortfall of 1.8 per cent over last year. However, despite the water shortage, the wheat crop is expected to register a production of 19.2 million tones.

The government had set a target of 20.1 million tones for wheat production during the current year. Sugarcane registered a production of 49.207 thousand tons, showing an increase of 12 per cent over the last year, when it recorded production of 43,590 thousand tons.