Punjab doubles wheat subsidy, incentives

Action taken to increase crop production per acre this year

ATTOCK:

The Punjab government has almost doubled the subsidy facility and incentives to farmers to increase wheat production per acre this year.

This was stated by Director General Agriculture (Extension) Punjab Dr Ishtiaq Hassan while addressing a one-day wheat seminar for farmers in Hazro on Tuesday. The seminar organised by the agriculture department was aimed at educating the farmers to achieve a full yield of wheat.

On this occasion, many stalls were also set up for the awareness of the farmers, while representatives of many banks were also present on the instructions of the State Bank, where loans were offered to the farmers on easy terms and conditions.

Attock Deputy Commissioner Rao Atif Raza, Hazro AC Kamran Ashraf, Attock Deputy Director Agriculture (Extension) Shakeel Ahmed, Rawalpindi Deputy Director Agriculture (Extension) Sadia Bano, Hazro Assistant Director Agriculture (Extension) Dr Javed Ahmed, Hazro ADA Samina Fatima, Chief Coordinator Attock Press Club Regd Nisar Ali Khan and a large number of agricultural scientists and farmers were also present.

Dr Ishtiaq Ahmed said at least 1.2m certified wheat seed bags, each weighing 50kg, will be provided to the farmers at the subsidised rate of Rs1,500 per bag. He said last year, Punjab achieved an average per acre wheat yield of 33.1 maunds and agriculture authorities hope to take the average to 40 maunds per acre for the next crop.

While addressing the event as guest of honour, Attock DC Rao Atif Raza said that wheat is the staple food in Pakistan and its production plays a significant role in the country's economy.

He said the government is trying to increase agricultural production through modern technology while digitising cultivable land.

Speaking on the occasion, Director Agriculture (Extension) Shahid Iftikhar Bukhari said that a vigorous campaign is being launched to increase wheat production in the Rawalpindi division. He said farmers are being made aware through farmer days and meetings.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, October 5^th, 2023.