Ludhiana, April 4 -- Wheat harvesting in the district is expected to begin within a week, with the agriculture department projecting an output of around 12 lakh tonnes this season.

Chief agriculture officer Gurdeep Singh said the crop is almost ripe and harvesting is likely to start around Vaisakhi, subject to weather conditions.

This rabi season, wheat has been sown across 2.38 lakh hectares in the district. Officials said while the crop is largely ready, some pockets are still slightly green. "If the weather remains clear, harvesting should begin within a week," Singh said.

The Mandi Board has made arrangements across 108 mandis for procurement. Officials said about 75 per cent of the produce is expected to reach mandis, while the re...