LAHORE: An important meeting was held in Lahore under the chairmanship of Minister for Agriculture Punjab Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani in which a detailed briefing was given on the ongoing development projects of the water management.
The meeting was attended by Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Usama Khan Laghari, Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, Special Secretary Agha Nabeel Akhtar, and Director Generals of Agriculture Department Punjab, Rana Tajammal Hussain and Naveed Asmat Kahloon.
During the briefing, the Provincial Minister was informed that 181 farmer enterprise groups have so far been established under the efficient use of water program. Modern machinery is being provided to these farmer enterprise groups on 70 percent subsidy for value addition in order to increase agricultural productivity and improve farmers’ income.
On this occasion, Kirmani directed that the ongoing programmes related to efficient water use should be completed within the stipulated time and the targets set for the improvement of lining of watercourses must be achieved in all circumstances.
He said that all possible resources are being utilized to reduce water wastage and to promote modern irrigation systems. The Minister further emphasized that the provision of subsidised machinery to Farmer Enterprise Groups for value addition should be ensured in a transparent manner.
Addressing the meeting, Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo proposed that a provincial-level mega convention of Farmer Enterprise Groups be organized, ensuring the participation of farmers who have played a significant role. He also stressed that any compromise on the quality of modern machinery being provided for value addition would be tolerated.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026