Maize crop harvest begins in Swabi.

SWABI -- The farmers started harvesting the maize crop on Friday, which is widely grown across the district.

The Kasthkar Coordination Council (KCC) and Kisan Board (KB) leaders said the recent rain delayed the maize crop harvest by a week. They, however, said a better yield was expected.

Liaqat Yousafzai, the KCC general secretary, said the grain was found full of energy when they inspected the crop in Maneri and Gohati regions, saying the farmers were eagerly waiting for harvest because of their feeble financial position. He said cold weather slowed the maturing of the crop.

Khalid Khan, KB district president, said cold and wet weather reduced the yield, thus harming financial position of the farmers. 'In the warm weather, the cobs can easily gain the required maturity,' he remarked.

The farmers' leaders said maize...