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LAHORE, Nov 27 (APP): Punjab Agriculture Minister Ashiq Hussain Kirmani said on Thursday that 16.5 million acres of land would be brought under wheat cultivation during current wheat season across Punjab.
He said this while presiding over the meeting of Gujranwala and Gujrat divisions to review wheat cultivation, said a press release issued here.
He said, “Wheat is essential for the country’s food security and all possible resources are being utilized for achieving the wheat cultivation target.”
All stakeholders were playing an active role in achieving this target in line with the directions of Punjab CM, he added.
He further said that the results of wheat sowing were very encouraging.
Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani said that through the use of super seeders, more than 125,000 acres in the Gujranwala division had been brought under wheat cultivation.
The minister said that across the province, 5,000 super seeders had already been provided to farmers on subsidy.
For the first time in the Rabi season, fertilizers were available in abundance at prices lower than the notified rates, he said and added that zero-tolerance policy was being implemented against those involved in the illegal business of fake agro-chemicals and fertilizers.
He said that as per the Chief Minister’s instructions, 100% wheat cultivation must be ensured on government lands.
Punjab Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo said that wheat production competitions were being held and farmers winning these competitions would be given cash prizes worth millions of rupees, including tractors.
Iftikhar Ali Sahoo further stated that under the Kisan Card, till now more than 700,000 farmers had been provided interest-free loans of more than Rs 90 billion.
During the meeting Gujranwala Commissioner Naveed Haider Shirazi apprised about the set wheat cultivation target for Gujranwala and Gujrat divisions.