Wheat, rice production to rise: CM

Cultivation of government land in Punjab made mandatory

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has predicted a substantial increase in the production of wheat and rice in the province.

Chairing a meeting to have a detailed briefing on issues related to the agriculture sector in Punjab, she said there is a possibility of a substantial increase in the area under cultivation and production of rice.

She added, "Rice production and export are expected to increase. Last year the rice export was worth $4 billion, while this year it is expected to reach $5 billions."

She highlighted, "Wheat cultivation on the under-cultivated government land has been made mandatory."

The chief minister said a 30 per cent increase in the production of wheat in Punjab had been predicted."

She said thousands of acres of land had been allocated for off-season cultivation of tomato and onion in Punjab. Off-season cultivation of tomato on 1,762 acres of land has been completed.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said, "Farmers will get cheap seeds and other agricultural inputs for the wheat crop."

She added, "Scientific methods should be adopted and machinery should be used to increase production."

She said a 10% increase in production was expected due to a 5% increase in the tomato and onion cultivation area. '

She added that 737 super seeders have been provided to farmers at subsidised rates in Punjab.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said 993 agriculture graduates are professionally guiding farmers for higher production of wheat and the construction of four agri malls is under way at a fast pace.

She added that 1.142 million farmers had registered for the Kissan card, more than 417,000 cards had been printed and over 300,000 had reached the farmers.

The chief minister was informed that 1.5 million farmers had accessed the CM Green Tractor Programme portal and one million of them had applied for the scheme, while 9,500 tractors would be distributed after a draw.

According to the officials concerned, 64% of the applicant farmers own five acres of land each, 28% own 12.5 acres and 8% own up to 50 acres.