Punjab CM announces special reward package for wheat farmers

LAHORE: In a historic move aimed at boosting wheat cultivation in the province, Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced a special reward package for wheat farmers. The initiative includes the provision of 1,000 tractors, worth billions of rupees, for farmers cultivating wheat on 25 acres or more of land. Additionally, 1,000 laser land levellers will be provided to farmers cultivating between 12.5 to 25 acres of wheat, through a transparent balloting process.

The announcement was made during a wheat cultivation meeting presided over by the Provincial Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, at the Commissioner’s Office in Lahore.

In his briefing, the Agriculture Minister shared that the wheat cultivation target for Lahore division this year has been set at 1.33 million acres. To achieve this, all available resources are being mobilized. Special teams, in collaboration with district administrations, are overseeing the supply of quality fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides in the market. Mega farmer gatherings and exhibition plots are being set up to educate farmers. Regular meetings of divisional and district committees are also being held to ensure smooth coordination.

Minister Kirmani emphasized that this year, the wheat cultivation target for Punjab is set at 1.65 crore acres—a critical milestone for the country’s food security. He stressed that the achievement of this target will be pursued with full commitment, ensuring that wheat cultivation in all districts of the province reaches its potential.

The Minister also highlighted that the price of certified seeds has been reduced by Rs2,000, and ample stocks of fertilizers are available for distribution. He made it clear that the high cost of agricultural inputs and the sale of substandard products would not be tolerated.

During the meeting, Secretary of Agriculture Punjab, Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, emphasized the importance of regular weekly meetings of divisional and district committees to monitor wheat cultivation targets. He also stressed the need for close collaboration between the agriculture and revenue departments to streamline the wheat cultivation process.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner Lahore Division Zaid Bin Maqsood, Deputy Commissioner Lahore Syed Musa Raza, Additional Secretary Agriculture Task Force Punjab Muhammad Shabir Ahmed Khan and others.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024