The Agriculture Department Bahawalpur organized a seminar on cotton cultivation, improved crop management, and increasing agricultural productivity, where agricultural experts encouraged farmers to adopt modern farming recommendations and advanced cultivation techniques.
Farmers urged to complete cotton sowing before May 20 for higher yield
BAHAWALPUR, May 12 (APP): The Agriculture Department Bahawalpur organized a seminar on cotton cultivation, improved crop management, and increasing agricultural productivity, where agricultural experts encouraged farmers to adopt modern farming recommendations and advanced cultivation techniques.
The chief guest of the program, Assistant Commissioner Bahawalpur Saddar Hamza Ehtesham, appreciated the efforts of the Agriculture Department and said that cotton holds a key position in the national economy, making the timely provision of technical guidance to farmers extremely important. He stated that the district administration is taking comprehensive measures to resolve farmers’ issues, facilitate agricultural activities in the field, and ensure the uninterrupted availability of quality agricultural inputs at officially approved rates.
Addressing the seminar, Director Agriculture Extension Muhammad Jameel Ghouri said that early cotton cultivation this season has been carried out on comparatively less land in various parts of Punjab and Sindh, which is expected to keep cotton prices favorable. He advised farmers to complete cotton sowing before May 20 under all circumstances and to use certified seeds of approved varieties to ensure better germination and higher production. He further emphasized that timely thinning, hoeing, balanced use of fertilizers, and effective monitoring of harmful pests are essential for achieving better crop yields.
Hafiz Muhammad Shafiq stated that this year the international market price of cotton has reached between Rs21,000 and Rs23,000, while cottonseed prices have risen to around Rs4,000. As a result, the average local market price of cotton is expected to remain around Rs10,000 per maund. He added that global circumstances are creating difficulties in cotton imports, which is likely to significantly increase demand for locally produced cotton.
On this occasion, Assistant Director Agriculture Dilshad Ali Khan, along with agriculture officers Muhammad Abbas, Sohail Shani, Saad-ur-Rehman, Rabia Kanwal, and other officials, also provided awareness to farmers regarding modern cotton production technology, balanced fertilizer usage, irrigation management, hoeing practices, and effective crop care. A large number of field staff members and farmers from across the tehsil attended the seminar.
