The ministry is also starting a short messaging service (SMS) to inform the farmers about weather conditions and prevailing price trends in domestic and international markets. PHOTO: FILE
The initiative is being undertaken in order to enhance per acre crop productivity by applying innovative and modernised planting methods, said Dr Khalid Abdullah, Cotton Commissioner in the Ministry of Textile Industry.
The rebirth of farming in Gujranwala
Talking to APP on Friday, he said about 6,000 master-trainers had already been trained under the programme in collaboration with the partners and stakeholders to increase cotton production that fell about 35% in the previous season.
The master-trainers, who had been selected from villages and union councils, will impart training to the cotton growers at their doorsteps besides creating awareness of the crop.
They will also educate the farmers about how to improve crop sowing, management, use of quality seeds, fertilisers and pesticides for minimising the input cost and maximising the income.
Abdullah said the farmers would be educated and trained in post-harvest crop management and clean cotton-picking, which would give a positive boost to the price of their harvest with the production of pollution-free crop.
The ministry is also starting a short messaging service (SMS) to inform the farmers about weather conditions and prevailing price trends in domestic and international markets.
For better produce: Training launched for farmers in G-B
The cotton commissioner revealed that electronic boards would be installed for updating the farmers about daily changes in local and global prices of the commodity.
Giving an overview of the cotton crop, he said Sindh had achieved its cultivation target for the current season, whereas sowing decreased 14% in Punjab.
However, he stressed that with the improving price trend in the domestic market where raw cotton rate reached Rs3,000 per 40 kg and with better crop management, the gap would be bridged.
The government had reduced prices of different crop inputs including fertilisers and pesticides and a notification to that effect had also been issued, he said and voiced the hope that the step would help enhance crop output in the country.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 16th, 2016.
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