LAHORE: Farmers in the Punjab province have achieved 52 percent of its wheat cultivation target set for the current season, with the area under the crop increasing by 7.7 percent compared to the corresponding period last year.
This was disclosed at a meeting chaired by the Punjab Agriculture Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani here on Friday. The minister directed the Agriculture department to intensify field monitoring to ensure achievement of wheat cultivation targets, availability of certified seeds and fertilisers at notified prices, and strict action against those involved in burning crop residues.
The meeting was informed that Punjab had achieved 52 percent of its wheat cultivation target, with the area under the crop increasing by 7.7 percent compared to the corresponding period last year. Line sowing had been adopted on 51 percent of the cultivated area, while the use of certified seeds stood at 44 percent.
Kirmani directed field formations to provide active support to farmers throughout the wheat cultivation campaign and ensure the availability of quality seeds and fertilisers at officially notified prices.
The meeting also reviewed paddy harvesting and measures to prevent crop residue burning. The minister directed that field monitoring should continue during weekly holidays and indiscriminate action be taken against those found involved in burning crop residues.
Regarding the Kissan Card programme, the meeting was informed that agricultural loans worth Rs 100 billion had been approved for one million farmers under its fifth phase. Of these, 818,000 farmers had already received credit facilities, while Rs 26 billion had been utilised.
Under the fourth phase of the Green Tractor Programme, 1,840 tractors had been distributed. The fifth phase envisages the provision of 9,500 locally manufactured and imported tractors. The department had received 305,000 applications, of which 188,000 had undergone verification.
The minister directed that all agricultural development projects be completed within their prescribed timelines. He identified achievement of wheat cultivation targets, timely recovery of Kissan Card loans, prevention of crop residue burning and strict action against counterfeit fertilisers as key priorities of the department.
He further directed field officers to discharge their responsibilities with dedication and diligence.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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