Punjab incentivises early cotton sowing

Announces special package, sets target of 1m acre for early cultivation

Listen to article

LAHORE:

Under the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, a special package of Rs25,000 is being provided for cultivating cotton over five acres early in the season. Farmers are showing great interest in early planting of the crop, which has decreased significantly in season 2024-25.

These views were expressed by Punjab Agricultural Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo while presiding over a review meeting on early cotton sowing at the Agriculture House, Lahore.

He stated that the current weather was highly suitable for cotton sowing and a target of one million acres had been set for early cultivation in Punjab. "To achieve this target, all possible resources and means are being utilised under the Agricultural Department, Punjab."

The secretary gave directives for accelerating activities to guide farmers on meeting the early cultivation goal. He emphasised that monitoring was ongoing to ensure the availability of seeds, fertilisers and other agricultural inputs in the market.

He stated that only Triple Gene varieties should be recommended for early sowing, which would be a milestone in achieving the cotton production target.

The meeting was attended by Special Agricultural Secretary Agha Nabeel Akhtar, Additional Agricultural Secretary Task Force Punjab Muhammad Shabbir Ahmed Khan, Agricultural Director Generals Chaudhry Abdul Hameed, Naveed Asmat Kahloon and Dr Abdul Qayyum, Project Director Dr Muhammad Anjum Ali and other officials.