Potohar Farmers Face Challenges Amid Wheat Harvesting Season

The farmers in the Potohar region have commenced the wheat crop harvesting and threshing process following warnings from the Met Office and agricultural department. The urgency stems from the need to avoid potential damage caused by unpredictable rains in the area. Wheat harvesting activities are currently in full swing across the Potohar region, including areas such as Phulgaran, Shah Allah Ditta, Rawat, and more.

According to a recent survey, approximately 290,000 acres of land in the Rawalpindi region yield around 275,26000 tons of wheat annually. Farmers have been actively collecting bardana or gunny bags from procurement centers since the beginning of April, with physical wheat procurement starting mid-month.

However, concerns have been raised by farmers regarding the pricing set by the Punjab government at Rs 3900 per 40 kilograms of wheat. Prominent farmers like Raja Bilal Fayyaz from Data Bhatt village in Tehsil Gujar Khan have highlighted the high costs involved in wheat production, expressing dissatisfaction with the current pricing structure.

Furthermore, wheat growers such as Raja Asif Bashir and Raja Adil Bashir from Sukhoo village Khumb have criticized the government's decision to increase diesel prices during the harvest season. This hike has led to a surge in machinery charges, with thresher owners now charging between Rs 2,200 and Rs 2,500 per hour for their services.

In light of these challenges, farmers in the Potohar region are navigating a complex landscape of rising production costs and external factors impacting their livelihoods. As the wheat harvesting season progresses, the community remains vigilant in managing these obstacles to ensure a successful crop yield.