Citrus Revival Programme: Punjab govt decides to expedite establishment of 11 screen houses

LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to expedite the establishment of 11 screen houses — eight in Sargodha and three in Toba Tek Singh — under the Citrus Revival Programme, as part of efforts to combat the citrus diseases and increasing productivity of citrus orchards using advanced management practices to improve yield and quality.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Steering Committee of the Citrus Revival Programme chaired by Provincial Agriculture Minister Sayed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani.

The meeting reviewed progress on ongoing activities under the programme, including developments related to the construction of screen houses and the Citrus Research Station building in Toba Tek Singh.

Participants included Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha, Usama Khan Laghari, Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahu and other members of the committee.

The steering committee decided to further accelerate the tendering process for the screen houses to avoid delays in project implementation. It was also resolved that experienced and technically competent construction firms would be engaged to ensure quality infrastructure development in accordance with prescribed standards.

A special committee comprising Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha, Usama Khan Laghari and Agha Nabeel Akhtar (Special Secretary Agriculture) was constituted to re-examine the tendering process. The committee will also ensure that construction activities strictly adhere to the approved criteria.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026