Unseasonal rain and hail damage wheat crop in parts of central Punjab

SARGODHA: Unseasonal rain, hail and strong winds have hit parts of central Punjab, including Sargodha, damaging standing wheat at a crucial stage and prompting concern among farmers, agricultural experts and market participants over possible losses in output and deterioration in grain quality.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, a fresh spell of rain linked to a strong westerly weather system is likely to persist across Punjab until mid-April.

Farmers said hailstones and gusty winds have complicated harvesting and affected the quality of the crop. Zahoor Qureshi, a farmer from Chak No 153-NB, said his field was close to harvest when the weather changed. "Our crop was ready for harvest within days, but the rain and hail have laid it flat. Now we fear losses in both quantity and quality," he said.

Qureshi said agricultural experts had told farmers that the scale of the damage would depend on how long and how intensely the current weather spell continues. He said a brief period of rain may not significantly cut overall production, but extended wet conditions could increase losses.

He added that while light rainfall in late March can at times help wheat by supporting grain filling, too much moisture along with strong winds can be harmful. He further said flattened crops are harder to harvest with machines and face a greater risk of fungal infection and discoloration.

Concerns spread across supply chain

Worries were also voiced by stakeholders linked to the agriculture supply chain, including flour millers and grain traders, as they assessed the possible impact of the weather on wheat quality and market prices.

Mudassar Hayat, a dealer in the local grain market, said wheat damaged by rain and hail sells for less because the grains become shriveled and lose weight. He added that if the rain continues, it will not only affect farmers but also the entire supply chain, including flour prices in the coming months.

The latest weather spell has therefore raised concerns not only for growers preparing to harvest their crop, but also for traders and processors who depend on stable supplies and acceptable grain quality.

The reports from central Punjab come at a time when wheat in many areas is nearing harvest. Farmers said the combination of rain, hail and wind has flattened fields that were otherwise close to being cut, making recovery more difficult if wet conditions persist.

Agricultural concerns remain focused on both the quantity of wheat that can still be collected and the condition of the grain after exposure to moisture and rough weather. With the Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasting more rain until mid-April, growers and market stakeholders are watching the situation closely.