NAROWAL: Farmers in the Sialkot district have been advised to complete wheat sowing within the next two weeks owing to the changing weather conditions.

Gujranwala Director Agriculture (Extension) Dr Shakeel Ahmad said that timely sowing was essential to achieve the target of wheat cultivation on 481,000 acres in the Sialkot district.

He was addressing the “Sar Sabz Gandum Convention” held in Pasrur by the Agriculture Extension Department Sialkot and Fatima Fertilizers Company.

Dr Ahmad urged farmers to use approved wheat varieties such as Dilkash-20, Akbar-19, Fakhar Bhakkar, Fakhar Bhakkar Star, and other certified seeds to increase per-acre yield. Sialkot Deputy Director Agriculture (Extension) Sajjad Haider advised farmers to use fertilisers strictly according to the recommended schedule and ratios. Even if input costs temporarily increase, the balanced and timely application of fertilisers would ultimately enhance production and cover expenses with profit, he added.

He said that in order to maintain soil fertility and reduce smog, farmers should incorporate crop residues into the soil instead of burning them. “This practice increases organic matter in the soil and reduces fertiliser-related expenses,” he added.

The participants were briefed on various schemes launched by the Punjab government for farmers’ welfare and awards were distributed among progressive farmers.

A walk was also organised along with the teachers and students from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad as part of the “More Wheat Cultivation Campaign”.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2025