Govt to modernise rice farming

SIALKOT: The Punjab government has evolved a national programme with a cost of Rs9 billion for enhancing rice yield across the province.

An official of the agriculture department said on Sunday that under the plan, strenuous efforts will be made for creating awareness among paddy growers on balanced use of pesticides, fertilizers and seeding for obtaining maximum output.

He said, “The first phase of farmers training has completed while the next phase would soon be carried later.” The programme also aims to promote balanced use of fertilizers at recommended timing and weed control across the province.

The official added, “The comprehensive campaign is expected to create awareness among the farming community and promote modern production practices for productivity enhancement and safe use of pesticides, fungicides and weedicides.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 24^th, 2019.