Explanation

• Soil pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of soil, affecting nutrient availability.
• Most soils in Pakistan are neutral to slightly alkaline, with a pH of 7–8.

Additional information:

pH ranges of soil types:

• Acidic soil – < 7 (e.g., hilly areas of Pakistan)
• Neutral soil – 7
• Slightly alkaline soil – 7–8 (most Pakistani soils)
• Strongly alkaline soil – 8–9
• Sodic soil – > 9

Last verified on 24-01-2026

Explanation

• Name: Zarat Nama
• Frequency: Fortnightly (every two weeks)
• Language: Urdu
• Publisher: Directorate of Agricultural Information, Punjab, Pakistan
• Content: Modern farming techniques, crop technologies, seasonal vegetables & fruits
• Related Publication: Directorate also publishes The Journal of Agricultural Research (JAR)

Last verified on 25-01-2026

Explanation

• Pest scouting is the process of regularly monitoring crops for pests.
• Helps estimate pest population and determine the need for control measures.
• It is a key component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

Additional information:

• Scouting helps identify pest species and life stages.
• Supports sustainable agriculture and reduces environmental impact.

Last verified on 25-01-2026

Explanation

• Pakistan‑2013 is a drought-tolerant wheat variety suitable for rainfed (barani) areas.
• Developed to perform well under low moisture conditions.
• Provides stable yields in arid and semi-arid regions.

Last verified on 25-01-2026

Explanation

• Farm planning or budgeting involves estimating all costs, income, and resources needed for farm operations.
• Helps farmers maximize profit and efficiently use land, labor, and inputs.
• Ensures proper allocation for crops, machinery, fertilizers, and labor.

Last verified on 25-01-2026

Explanation

• Observed on: 16 October every year
• Purpose: To raise awareness about food security, hunger, and nutrition
• 2024 Theme: Right to foods for a better life and a better future
• 2025 Theme: Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future

Additional information:

FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)

• Established on: 16 October 1945
• Founder: United Nations
• Headquarters: Rome, Italy

Last verified on 27-01-2026

Explanation

• Sunflower is an oilseed crop grown for edible oil and seeds.
• Seed rate is the amount of seed sown per acre to ensure optimal plant population.
• Proper seed rate ensures good growth, uniform flowering, and maximum yield.

Additional information:

• Seeds are usually sown in rows 30–40 cm apart for proper spacing.

Last verified on 23-01-2026

Explanation

• Chickpea (Gram) is a widely grown legume in Pakistan.
• Seed rate indicates how much seed is needed per acre for optimal growth.
• Proper seed rate ensures good plant population, yield, and uniform growth.

Additional information:

• Chickpea seeds are sown in rows with 30–40 cm spacing.

Last verified on 23-01-2026

Explanation

• Cotton requires critical irrigation during flowering and boll formation to ensure good yield and fiber quality.
• Water stress at these stages can reduce boll size and number, affecting total production.

Additional information:

• Flowering stage: Ensures healthy flower development
• Boll formation stage: Supports fruiting bodies (bolls) growth

Last verified on 27-01-2026

Explanation

• Saline-sodic and sodic soils have excess sodium, which harms soil structure and crop growth.
• These soils require chemical amendments to replace sodium with calcium.
• Gypsum, sulfur, and sulfuric acid are commonly used for reclamation.

Additional information:

Amendments used for sodic soil reclamation:

• Gypsum – supplies calcium directly
• Sulfur – converts into sulfuric acid in soil
• Sulfuric acid – reacts with calcium carbonate
• Pyrite – slow-release sulfur source
• Organic matter – improves soil structure

Last verified on 25-01-2026