Wheat seed quality key to higher yield

MULTAN, Mar 24 (APP):The agriculture department stressed the use of pure and healthy wheat seed for increasing per-acre yield and reducing production costs.
According to agricultural guidelines, seed quality plays a central role among all production factors, as better seed ensures stronger plants and improved output. Farmers have been advised to use only recommended wheat varieties with at least 85 to 90 percent germination capacity.
Officials remarked certified seed supplied by institutions meets only 30 to 40 percent of farmers’ needs, urging growers to prepare their own quality seed. Self-prepared seed not only ensures purity but also guarantees timely availability and reduces input and transportation costs.
Farmers have been instructed to select a specific portion of their field for seed production, remove weeds and off-type plants regularly, and maintain strict purity standards. At harvest, the selected crop should be cut separately, properly labeled, and stored with care to avoid contamination.
Proper drying in sunlight and safe storage were also highlighted as key steps to protect seed from pests and maintain its quality.
Agriculture experts expressed hope that by adopting these practices, farmers could produce high-quality wheat seed for their own use and improve overall productivity.