The country is likely to achieve 2007-08 rice production target of over 3,288 tons despite unfavourable climatic conditions in Punjab and Sindh. The sources in the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock (Minfal) told Business Recorder that the area under rice cultivation is short by 2percent and production target by 3 percent in Punjab than last year figures.
In Sindh, the crop area is short by 1.3 percent and production target 4.2 percent as compared to last year. The sources said floods as well as pest attack in upper Sindh areas, which include Shikarpur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Kashmore and Qambar, have affected the overall rice productivity. The sources called for measures to maximise per hectare yield. They urged the provincial governments to take steps to accelerate research for the development of hybrid varieties to compete in the international market.
Low plantation is another major constraint in getting maximum yield. This can be addressed through parachute and rope methods, the sources said and added that direct seedling of paddy may also be tested to improve per hectare yield.
He said there is time difference in between planting and harvesting of paddy, result in heterogeneous moisture, which may lead to aflatoxin. There is a need to create awareness about it as it can affect the quality of major exportable crop.