The local farmers and growers have started sowing fodder, wheat and other seasonal crops in their fields along the banks of dried River Chenab with new hopes and courage. The greenery along the banks of dried river is wearing a beautiful and fresh look.
The ongoing spell of light and heavy rains in Sialkot region has become a blessing for the local farmers and growers, who suffered from great ordeal due to the non-availability of the water in River Chenab.
Talking to newsmen at Saidpur Pattan near Bajwat-Sialkot, the local farmers and growers said that though there was acute shortage of water in River Chenab following the several months-long closure of water by India to this river, we suffered a great financial loss as our seasonal crops were badly affected.
They said agricultural land along the banks of River Chenab is very fertile and recent spell of heavy and light rains in the Sialkot region has encouraged water shortage-hit growers, who have now started sowing wheat, fodder and other seasonal crops. Earlier, the bed of River Chenab at Head Marala was presenting a horrible look for the last several months due to the closure of water by India in this river towards Pakistan, as the Indian government had blocked the River Chenab water a few months ago.
According to local officials of Sialkot irrigation department, the standing paddy and other seasonal crops on more than 2.5 million acres across Punjab were badly affected due to stoppage of water by India in River Chenab towards Pakistan during the last several months.