Punjab issues advisory to protect crops during monsoon rains

MULTAN, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Jul, 2026) The Punjab Agriculture Department has issued an advisory urging farmers to take precautionary measures to protect their crops from the adverse effects of the monsoon rains.

Experts warned that excessive monsoon rains can damage cotton and vegetables crops adding that cotton plants may begin to die if water remained stagnant for more than 48 hours.

They, however, added that sugarcane, rice and fodder crops can tolerate excess water, and rainwater may be diverted from cotton, vegetables or other crops fields to these fields without causing significant damage.

Cotton and vegetable crops are highly sensitive to waterlogging that makes immediate drainage of excess rainwater essential, agriculture spokesman said in a statement on Thursday.

He said that crops grown on raised beds are comparatively safer from the harmful effects of heavy rainfall.

He advised that farmers can divert surplus rain water from cotton or vegetables field to adjacent sugarcane, fodder or rice fields.

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If no such fields are available, farmers should dig drainage channels or trenches to remove excess water.

After rainfall, if required, farmers may apply plant growth regulators to cotton crops, but only after consulting local agricultural experts of the agriculture extension department.

Officials also urged farmers to regularly monitor weather forecasts broadcast on radio and television so that irrigation schedules could be planned accordingly.

It further noted that the monsoon season promotes the rapid growth of weeds, which compete with crops for nutrients and also provide shelter to harmful insect pests. In addition, the prevailing humid weather increases the risk of attacks by sap-sucking insects.

Keeping in view the situation, farmers should remain vigilant and seek guidance from the local staff of the extension or pest warning wings of the agriculture department for effective pest management.