Punjab Wheat Farmers Advised On Rising Temperature Effects

As of March 1, 2026, the Punjab Agriculture Department has issued urgent advisories to wheat farmers in response to an early and intense heatwave threatening crop yields. The province has experienced a continuous rise in temperatures over the past five days, with forecasts predicting further increases for the next week. The department has emphasized that the standing wheat crop, which is currently at a critical growth stage, could suffer from heat stress if precautionary measures are not implemented. Farmers in rain-fed regions are advised to utilize all available irrigation resources and apply a 2% solution of urea or potassium nitrate at a rate of 100 to 120 liters per acre, with a recommendation to repeat the spray after seven days. A spokesperson stated, "High temperatures above 30-32 degrees C can cause terminal heat stress, leading to forced maturity and reduced yields," highlighting the potential for yield reductions of 10% to 20% in affected areas (The News Pakistan).