Rain brings relief to wheat farmers

CHAKWAL, Jan 1: The recent showers have brought relief for not only the draught-stricken people but for the farmers as well.

Being the dwellers of rain-fed (barani) terrain, the farmers of Chakwal heaved a sigh of relief as recent rain would definitely have a good effect on their wheat crops.

“It is the great blessing of Allah as now I’m sure that I would not be short of wheat next year,” says a highly optimistic farmer, Chacha Sultan.

Questioning the performance and ability of Meteorological Department, he said, “My son had told me that the Met Office had forecast that there would be no rain in December. But today’s rain shows that they tell lie.” Coming up hard on rulers, he said, “Neither they have given us quality seed nor fertilizer this year but Allah is on our side.” He said that he did not believe in climate change and said optimistically that if there was any it would not affect his crop.

The Agriculture Department of Chakwal has set 63,000 tons wheat target for this season. “Due to the current rain, I can say that we would achieve our target,” a senior officer in Agriculture Department told Dawn.

The rain has also boosted the sale of local delicacies like Khowa, Patisa, Reweri and Gogian.

Khowa and Gogian are made by desi ghee, milk, wheat flour, almond and many other dry fruits while Patisa is prepared by desi ghee, groundnut, and gur. These desi food items are considered winter specialties.

Chakwal being the hub of Rewri production has witnessed major increase in demand for this crispy and delicious food item. The shops of Pehlwan Groups are always seen thronged by the customers who not only buy Rewri for themselves but al so send it to their relative living in other cities.

The interesting thing is that the Rewri is made by gur, ghee, sesame (til) and alaichi (cardamom) and none of these things are produced in Chakwal. While on the other hand, demand for groundnut has also gone up with the chill brought by the current rain. Despite the largest groundnut grower district, Chakwal has not a single factory where groundnut could be roasted.