Smog affects vegetable crops in parts of Punjab

The recent smog episode in Punjab, Pakistan's largest food basket, has not only impacted people but also affected crops, particularly in the central-northern regions.

Hamid Mallih, Chairman of the Agri Policy Research Institute, told Nukta that initial estimates show a 70% germination rate for some vegetables, including cabbage and garlic, compared to the usual 90% in smog-free conditions.

However, wheat, the staple crop of the Rabi season, remained unaffected.

Mallih added that, due to government measures, the burning of paddy crop residue was reduced by 60%.

However, farmers now face an additional cost of up to PKR 12,000 per acre to prepare the land for wheat cultivation. Farmers have had to utilize paddy residue and pulverize the land.

He appealed to the provincial government to provide incentives for farmers to help offset these extra costs.