Plots for ‘model crops’ offered to farmers

The implementation of a Rs12-billion national agriculture plan is underway to increase per-acre wheat production and ensure food security in the province.

The agriculture department has sought applications from farmers for the cultivation of demonstration plots in irrigated and rain-fed areas under the ongoing project, said a spokesperson for the Punjab Agriculture Department on Tuesday.

Male and female farmers who own between five and 12.5 acres of arable land in irrigated areas and five to 25 acres in rainfed areas will be eligible to apply, as Rs20,000 will be provided by the Punjab government for a one-acre demonstration plot. Farmers selected in the balloting draw will be bound to cultivate the exhibition plots as per the recommendations of the Agriculture department.

Prospective farmers can get application forms free of charge from the offices of the Agriculture Officer (Extension) and Assistant Director of Agriculture (Extension). These forms could also be downloaded from the department website.

Completed applications must be submitted with the concerned Assistant Director of Agriculture (Extension) by October 20 and a balloting draw will be held in the office of the concerned Director of Agriculture (Extension) on October 27.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 4^th, 2023.