اس آرٹیکل کو اردو میں پڑھنے کیلئے کلک کریں
Wheat is Pakistan’s most important food crop, and the 2026 sowing season is about to begin. The Punjab Agriculture Department has set the ideal sowing window from November 1 to November 20 — and their research shows that every day of delay after November 20 costs roughly 1% of yield, around 15–20 kg per acre. Sowing after December can cut production by up to 50%.
This guide covers everything you need for the 2026 season: sowing dates by region, seed rates, approved varieties, land preparation, fertilizer plans, and irrigation scheduling.
Best Wheat Sowing Time in Pakistan (2026)
Sowing time varies by region and irrigation:
- Punjab & Sindh (irrigated): November 1–20 — the optimal window
- Late sowing (all regions): November 21 – December 15 — acceptable but expect lower yields; increase seed rate (see below)
- Barani / rain-fed areas: October 15 – November 15
- KPK & Balochistan: Late October to early November
For late sowing (after November 20), the Agriculture Department specifically advises completing sowing before December 10 and raising the seed rate to compensate for slower germination in cold weather.
Wheat Seed Rate Per Acre
- Broadcasting (traditional): 50–60 kg per acre
- Drill sowing: 40–50 kg per acre
- Late sowing (after Nov 20): 60 kg per acre — higher density compensates for reduced tillering and also helps suppress weeds
- Barani areas: 40–50 kg per acre
Whatever the rate, use certified seed with a germination rate of at least 85%. If germination is lower, increase the seed quantity proportionally. The government has reduced certified wheat seed to Rs. 5,500 per bag (down from Rs. 6,500) for this season, and the wheat support price is fixed at Rs. 3,500 per 40 kg.
Approved Wheat Varieties for 2026
For irrigated areas of Punjab, the recommended varieties include Sawera-24, Falak-24, Champion, Urooj-22, Nishan-21, Dilkash-20, Subhani-21, Akbar-19, Bhakkar Star-19, Ghazi-19, Faisalabad-2008, and NARC Super. For barani areas: Shiraz-23, Urooj-22, Nishan-21, Markaz-19, Barani-17, and Fateh Jang-16.
Buy seed only from the Punjab Seed Corporation or registered dealers. If you are using farm-saved seed, get it graded free of cost at your local Agriculture Extension office, and always treat seed with fungicide before sowing — the rotating-drum or plastic-bag method ensures every grain is coated.
Land Preparation
- Vacate the field on time: stop irrigating cotton, sugarcane, and maize fields 15–20 days before harvest so the land is free for wheat sowing.
- Ploughing: after harvest, run a rotavator in moist soil, then plough twice and level. In former paddy fields: one rotavator pass, then disc plough twice, then traditional ploughing and levelling.
- Levelling: laser levelling gives uniform water distribution and better germination. Plough at 2–3 day intervals to destroy weeds and release soil nutrients.
- Organic matter: apply 8–10 tons of well-decomposed farmyard manure per acre. Alternatively, green-manure with guar or jantar at flowering, at least two months before sowing.
- Pre-sowing irrigation (rauni): a good rauni before sowing ensures uniform germination.
Fertilizer Plan Per Acre
Apply fertilizer based on soil test results. As a general guide for irrigated areas:
- Nitrogen: 100–120 kg per acre, split into two doses (half at sowing, half with first irrigation)
- Phosphorus: 50–60 kg per acre (weaker soils: 2 bags DAP per acre; average soils: 1.5 bags DAP)
- Potassium: 25–30 kg per acre (about 1 bag of potassium sulphate on weaker land)
On weaker irrigated soils the department’s field guidance works out to roughly 2 bags DAP + half bag urea + 1 bag potassium sulphate per acre; on average-fertility soils, 1.5 bags DAP is the standard recommendation. Combining balanced chemical fertilizer with organic manure gives the best long-term soil health and yield response.
Irrigation Schedule
Wheat needs 4–5 irrigations at critical growth stages:
- Crown root initiation: 20–25 days after sowing — the most critical irrigation, never skip it
- Tillering: 35–45 days after sowing
- Jointing/booting: 55–70 days after sowing
- Flowering & grain filling: 80–100 days after sowing
Early-morning irrigation and avoiding water stress at booting and grain-filling stages protect both yield and grain quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date for wheat sowing in Pakistan?
For optimal yields, complete sowing by November 20. Late sowing is possible until December 10–15 with a higher seed rate (60 kg/acre), but expect 15–50% lower yields depending on how late you go.
How much wheat seed is needed per acre in Pakistan?
50–60 kg per acre for broadcasting, 40–50 kg for drill sowing, and 60 kg for late sowing after November 20. Always use certified seed with 85%+ germination.
Which wheat variety gives the highest yield in Punjab?
Recent top performers for irrigated Punjab include Sawera-24, Falak-24, Urooj-22, and Akbar-19. Match the variety to your area (irrigated vs. barani) and always buy certified seed.
What is the wheat support price for 2026?
The government has fixed the wheat support price at Rs. 3,500 per 40 kg for the 2026 season.
How many irrigations does wheat need?
Typically 4–5 irrigations: at crown root initiation (20–25 days), tillering (35–45 days), jointing/booting (55–70 days), and grain filling (80–100 days).