LAHORE, Feb 19 (APP): Punjab Minister for Agriculture Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani has formally inaugurated the Potohar Agriculture Transformation Plan in Chakwal.
According to a handout issued here on Thursday the minister said that this initiative of the Punjab Chief Minister for agricultural development in Potohar was a unique and historic step.
He stated that the Potohar Agriculture Transformation Plan was being implemented at a substantial cost of
Rs 7 billion and would prove to be a game changer for the development of the agricultural sector in the Potohar region.
The minister said that various schemes worth Rs 6 billion were being implemented to ensure efficient and economical use of water. He mentioned that 1,700 lift irrigation systems with solar systems were being installed with a 70% subsidy, while 270 laser land levelers were also being provided with a subsidy of Rs 700,000 per unit.
He further said that under 70% subsidy, 250 water channels were under construction in the command areas of 15 small dams, while 400 mini dams were being constructed with a subsidy of Rs 1.75 million per unit.
Similarly, land development on 4,500 acres was underway through bulldozers with a subsidy of Rs 77,000 per acre, and new olive orchards were being established on more than 3,500 acres. Ashiq Kirmani said that four cold press units were being provided to the private sector with 50pc subsidy, while ginger cultivation on 110 acres was being implemented with a subsidy of Rs 3.29 million per acre.
He said that fencing installation was also underway at a cost of Rs 500 million to protect crops and orchards from wild animals, ensuring the safety of farmers’ produce.
Punjab Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo said that 30,000 plants of blackberry, fig, grape and nectarine were being provided at subsidized rates, along with 25,000 kilograms of certified peanut seed being supplied to farmers at concessional prices.
He further said that 15,000 citrus plants and 14,000 plants of avocado, pecan nut, plum and apple were also being provided at subsidized rates to further promote horticulture and agricultural development in the Potohar region.