Timely irrigation at milky stage imperative to increase wheat production: experts

FAISALABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Mar, 2026) The agriculture experts have urged farmers to ensure timely irrigation of wheat crops at the early grain formation, commonly known as the milky stage as delay at this critical phase can significantly reduce grain size and overall yield.

A spokesman for Agriculture (Extension) Department said here on Tuesday that milky stage is the period when grains begin to form and fill within the spike.

If irrigation is skipped or delayed during this phase, the grains remain underdeveloped, directly affecting productivity, he added.

He emphasized that proper water management at this point plays a decisive role in securing healthy and full grains.

He highlighted that “Kangi” disease initially appears in patches in certain areas of the field before spreading across the entire crop.

He advised the growers to conduct regular field inspections to detect early signs of infection.

In case of attack, the farmers should spray suitable fungicides only on the affected patches after consulting local agricultural experts of the department’s extension wing instead of spraying the entire field unnecessarily, he added.

Regarding the pest “Sust Teela”, he said that its attack on wheat usually begins in late February and intensifies by the end of March.

He strictly advised the farmers not to use chemical pesticides against Sust Teela rather they should spray cold water over the crop as a preventive and control measure.

The rising temperatures could further influence pest and disease activity. Hence, the farmers should remain vigilant and seek guidance from local agricultural experts to adopt timely and appropriate measures for protecting their standing wheat crops, he added.