Potential of cotton revival package highlighted

Agriculture secretary says administration working to resolve farmers’ issues

LAHORE:

Punjab Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo on Saturday stated that the implementation of the 'Cotton Action Plan 2023-24' would make it possible to earn $3 billion in foreign exchange. He made these comments while presiding over a meeting in Dera Ghazi Khan, according to a press release.

The secretary explained that cultivating cotton on a large scale was a challenging task, and as such, the district administration, agriculture department, and other stakeholders were working together. This year, 971,000 acres of land in the Dera Ghazi Khan division would be used for cotton cultivation, and the district administration was providing full support to the field staff of the agriculture department so that cotton cultivation and production targets could be achieved.

While giving directions, the secretary added that the irrigation department should ensure the availability of canal water during cotton cultivation and immediately address any canal blockages in Dera Ghazi Khan division so that cotton sowing could be completed on time. He also stressed that the field staff of the Agriculture Extension and Pest Warning departments should provide technical guidance and support to farmers and compile data for all farmers.

"Punjab has taken several practical steps this year under the historical package of cotton revival, which will make cotton a profitable crop for farmers," he said. He added that the Cotton Production Competition 2023 was being organised to encourage growers, and farmers who obtain significant yields will receive cash prizes worth millions of rupees at the provincial and district levels. He said the cotton sowing data from the revenue department should be counter-checked and committees headed by DCs should hold weekly meetings.