Farmers advised for timely harvest to curb wheat losses

The agriculture experts have advised the farmers to ensure timely harvesting, threshing and storage of their wheat crops as negligence during these critical stages could result in yield losses of up to 10 to 12 percent

FAISALABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 31st Mar, 2026) The agriculture experts have advised the farmers to ensure timely harvesting, threshing and storage of their wheat crops as negligence during these critical stages could result in yield losses of up to 10 to 12 percent.

A spokesman of Agriculture (Extension) Department said here on Tuesday that the farmers should initiate wheat harvesting only after the crop has fully matured. He advised that growers can check grain maturity by pressing it between their teeth and a cracking sound indicates that the crop is ready for harvest.

He said that harvesting, threshing and post-harvest handling are among the most crucial phases in wheat production and any lapse in care during these stages may significantly reduce overall output.

He urged the farmers to make advance arrangements for labor, reapers, threshers, tractors, tarpaulins or plastic sheets and combine harvesters to ensure smooth operations. In case of harvesting through combine harvesters, the use of wheat straw choppers was also recommended for better management of straw and residue, he added.

He also advised the farmers to keep themselves updated with weather forecasts through television and radio before starting harvesting operations.

In case of rain, harvesting and threshing activities should be halted immediately and resumed only after weather conditions improve while harvested wheat should be promptly covered with tarpaulins or sheets to prevent damage, he added.

He also recommended tying relatively smaller bundles after harvesting and placing the ears in one direction.

He stressed that threshing floors should be kept small and preferably established on elevated fields, with proper drainage trenches around them.

He said that wherever possible, the harvesting should be carried out by using reapers or combine harvesters for efficiency and reduced losses. The farmers should shift harvested wheat to storage facilities without delay, he added.

He said that for storage, the farmers should use new gunny bags which should be dried in sunlight before use.

He also advised spraying pesticides as recommended by agricultural experts to eliminate pests and ensure safe storage of wheat.