Revamping farming: Govt to redefine agro-ecological zones

Agriculture secretary says directorate of agriculture education will also be set up

FAISALABAD: Agro-ecological zones are being redefined to help boost agricultural productivity and to address the problems of the farming community, said Punjab Agriculture Secretary Muhammad Mahmood on Saturday.

Chairing a meeting at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), he called for stepping up efforts to reduce the gap between researchers and extension workers to help implement farmer friendly policies.

The agriculture secretary said a directorate of agriculture education would be set up and the Punjab government has started revamping agricultural policy with special focus on farmers to address their problems. “This will increase productivity and help alleviate poverty,” he said.

“All stakeholders, including farmers associations, agricultural industry, scientists and political leadership, will be taken onboard in order to address farming problems and to increase productivity,” he said.

UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said the university would start a master’s degree programme for agricultural practitioners in the public sector as well.

“Farmer-friendly policies with special focus on rural development are being devised for the development of agriculture sector. Rules and regulations regarding pesticides, fertiliser and seeds will also be addressed in the proposed policy,” the VC said.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 22^nd, 2017.