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MULTAN, Nov 29 (APP):Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahu chaired a review meeting on the ongoing wheat cultivation campaign at Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Agricultural University Multan,noting a sharp rise in the use of certified seed and improved input availability across the province.
According to a spokesperson,Secretary Agriculture Sahu said wheat remains vital for national food security,adding that Punjab has set a cultivation target of 16.5 million acres for the current season.
He stated that wheat sowing was expected to exceed the target due to favorable field conditions and timely input supply.
He observed that certified wheat seed was widely available in markets at Rs 5,500 per bag and its usage increased by more than 25 percent compared to previous years.
Fertilizers were also available in ample quantity, with prices reported below the officially fixed rates,he added.
The meeting was attended by Special Secretary Agriculture South Punjab Sarfaraz Hussain Magasi,MNS Agricultural University Vice Chancellor(VC) Prof. Dr.Asif Ali,Director Generals (DG) Agriculture Punjab Abdul Hameed and Naveed Asmat Kahloon, along with other senior officers.
Director General(DG) Crop Reporting Service Dr.Abdul Qayyum, as well as Directors and Deputy Directors of Agriculture Extension participated online.
Sahu said an adequate supply of canal water has been ensured to support the sowing phase.
He added that under the Kisan Card initiative,interest-free loans worth more than Rs.100 billion have so far been provided to over 700,000 farmers.
He said wheat production competitions were being organized at provincial and district levels on the directions of the Chief Minister(CM) Punjab,offering tractors and cash prizes worth millions to top-performing farmers.
He also appreciated the contribution of agricultural university students and internees in the ongoing wheat cultivation drive.