Extreme Weather Damages Wheat Crop in South Punjab
Apr 13, 2026
Unusual weather conditions in Multan and several areas of South Punjab have adversely affected the wheat crop, raising concerns about lower yields per acre this season.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, temperatures in March remained approximately 2.7°C above normal. This increase disrupted the natural growth cycle of wheat, leading to early spike formation and limiting proper grain development. As a result, grain size and overall crop quality have been negatively impacted.
March is a crucial period for wheat growth, especially for grain formation. However, the early heatwave interfered with this stage, reducing productivity.
The situation further deteriorated in early April when unexpected rainfall and hailstorms damaged wheat crops spread across nearly 210,000 acres in South Punjab.
Farmers are now concerned that achieving even 30 to 35 maunds per acre may be difficult due to these unfavorable conditions.
In addition to weather challenges, rising production costs are adding to farmers’ difficulties. Increased diesel prices have significantly raised harvesting expenses, nearly doubling the cost per acre compared to last year. At the same time, uncertainty surrounding wheat market prices continues to create financial pressure.
South Punjab contributes nearly 70% of Punjab’s total wheat production, making the current situation a serious concern for the regional agricultural economy as well as national food security.
