Lahore March 4 2025: Punjab, the largest province of Pakistan, bans farmers from early sowing of rice, not before 20th May, to curtail damage to the situation of the available water in canals and ground water.
“Agriculture Department is discouraging Early Sowing of Rice nursery to save farmers from losses of the previous year and decided to implement “The Punjab Agriculture Pests Ordinance 1959 and Rules 1960 Rule 4(1)” which states as “No occupier of land shall sow rice nursery before 20th May of every year”. Prior notices may be served to the farmers to follow the given deadline for sowing of nursery for Rice crop” states the letter.
“It has been observed with the great concerns that farmers are cultivating two rice crops and sew its nursery very early. This practice is severely damaging the situation of the available water in canals and ground water. This alarming situation is damaging the climate and farmers equally” the letter added.
Last year, Early Rice crop was severely affected by heat wave resulting in poor grain formation and reduced yields and caused heavy economic loss to the farmers. The farmers bodies criticized seed companies for the poor yield.
“In view of the above, Department may launch full fledge campaign and convince the farmers to follow given deadline in the “The Punjab Agriculture Pests Ordinance 1959 and Rules 1960 Rule 4(1)”. That will only save their precious economic resources and prepare them to face the severity of the climate change” the letter states.
