Unseasonal rains affect wheat crop in various Punjab parts

SARGODHA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Apr, 2026) Unseasonal rains, coupled with a hailstorm and gusty winds, have struck large parts of central Punjab, including Sargodha, flattening standing wheat crop at a critical stage of maturity and triggering serious concerns among farmers, agricultural experts and market stakeholders over potential yield losses and grain quality deterioration.

The fresh spell of rain, driven by a strong westerly weather system, continued intermittently over the past few days, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department warning of further showers and isolated hailstorms across Punjab until mid-April.

At a time when wheat crop is nearing harvest, the sudden change in weather has disrupted the final ripening process, leaving farmers anxious about production as well as its profitability. Local growers in Sargodha and adjoining areas reported that hailstones and strong winds caused crop lodging, making harvesting difficult and reducing grain quality. “Our crop was ready for harvest within days, but the rain and hail have laid it flat. Now we fear about quantity and quality losses,” said Zahoor Qureshi, a farmer from Chak No 153-NB area. He said that the agriculture experts explain that the overall impact would depend on the duration and intensity of the ongoing weather spell.

The short spells of rain may not largely reduce total production, but prolonged wet conditions could enhance losses.

Although light rain during late March may sometimes benefit wheat by improving grain filling, excessive moisture combined with strong winds can prove destructive, he added.

He said that the wheat crop in most parts of Punjab has reached maturity. At this stage, even moderate hail or wind can cause lodging and water-logging, which directly impacts yield and grain quality. The lodged crops become difficult to harvest mechanically and are more prone to fungal diseases and discoloration, he added.

Stakeholders in the agriculture supply chain including flour millers and grain traders also expressed concern.

A local grain market dealer, Mudassar Hayat , said that damaged wheat often fetches lower prices due to shriveled grains and reduced weight. “If the rain continues, it will not only affect farmers but also the entire supply chain including flour prices in the coming months,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Agriculture Department has advised its field staff to remain alert and assist farmers in lessening losses. The field staff is guiding the wheat growers on drainage measures and post-rain crop management to minimise damage, a spokesman for agricultural extension department said.