GUJAR KHAN: Bad weather at a time when the wheat crop is ready for harvest in the arid areas of Potohar has created panic among the farmers.

The growers were seen making frantic efforts to bring home the grains as early as possible.

Because of the rush by farmers to hire harvesting machines and reapers, operators of these machines have increased their rates.

Chaudhry Rab Nawaz, a farmer, said Rs5,000 per hour were being charged by harvesting machine operators. An ordinary reaper, according to Mr Nawaz, casts about Rs1,500 per hour. Small farmers mostly depend on labourers who are charging Rs700 per day.

Groups oflabourers from KP have in the meantime reached in the region to earn livelihoods by harvesting crops.

Raja Zain, another farmer, said he was worried about the weather and waiting for a couple of sunny days to startharvesting.

On the other hand, the accelerated harvest hasbroughtahalt to the business activities in the towns and traders are sitting idle in their shops waiting for the return of the customers after the harvest of the wheat crops.

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2019