Projects under way to boost wheat yield: CM

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar said on Saturday that projects were being carried out to achieve the maximum production of wheat, sugarcane and rice crops. The scope of drip irrigation and solarisation projects was also being extended gradually.

The chief minister said this during a briefing on Annual Development Projects and other departmental affairs of agriculture and livestock departments at a high-level meeting.

Buzdar directed the authorities concerned not to charge the fee for Fard Malikiyat (record of rights) for the issuance of Kisan Card to the farmers.

He said 472,000 Kisan Cards have so far been issued to the farmers for the digital subsidy and these numbers will reach one million by the end of the current fiscal year. Around 1,590 input dealers of Kisan Card are working across the province, said Usman Buzdar.

The CM termed the Agriculture Transformation Plan a revolutionary step in the agri-history of the province. He also directed the officials concerned to pay attention to the olive cultivation in Southern Punjab.

The meeting was informed that agriculture researchers of the department have introduced 31 new types of wheat which have the ability to cope with water shortage and diseases.

Read Punjab stops supply of wheat, flour to K-P

A new variety of palm has also been introduced in the Punjab. The meeting was further informed that corn, wheat and rice yield has been achieved more than the set target in the province.

The meeting was also briefed that the Agriculture Extension will be restructured and outsources besides setting up of Central of Excellence for the research on rice, wheat, sugarcane and corn.

Minister of Agriculture Syed Hussain Jahanian Gardezi, Minister of Livestock Hasnain Bahadur Draishak, P&D chairman, Principal Secretary CM, Secretaries of Finance, Agriculture and other concerned departments attended the meeting.

Earlier, the MNAs from different constituencies called on the chief minister and discussed the overall political situation of the province and different public issues.

They also gave their recommendations and suggestions to Buzdar on various development affairs. The CM said the achievements of Prime Minister Imran Khan and his emergence as an international leader has distraught the opposition. “The politics of corruption and embezzlements has now become a thing of the past,” Buzdar said.

“The PTI government has introduced the culture of transparency in development projects. Imran Khan is the only hope for the nation for the redressal of their grievances.”

Buzdar reaffirmed that for the public service, he will visit every nook and corner of the province. Projects of water supply and drainage will be gradually complete in all major and small cities. He said due importance has been given to the opinion of women assembly members in development projects.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 3^rd, 2021.