Multan sets 1.7m-acre wheat target

MULTAN:

The wheat cultivation target for Multan division has been set at 1.776 million acres for the 2026-27 season, up from 1.760 million acres last year.

The target was reviewed at a meeting chaired by Multan Division Commissioner Aamir Karim Khan and attended by the deputy commissioners of Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran and Vehari, agriculture officials and representatives of other departments.

District-wise targets have been set at 445,000 acres for Multan, 503,000 acres for Khanewal, 376,000 acres for Lodhran and 452,000 acres for Vehari.

The commissioner directed the authorities to ensure wheat cultivation on all land allotted under the Apna Khet Apna Rozgar programme and called for coordinated strategies at district and tehsil levels to achieve the targets.

He directed the Agriculture Department and district administrations to provide farmers with timely guidance, quality seed, fertilisers, irrigation water and information about modern farming practices. He also ordered strict action against the overpricing of fertilisers and seed, stressing that farmers should receive quality agricultural inputs at officially notified rates.

The meeting emphasised soil testing and the use of fertilisers according to crop requirements.

The commissioner directed officials to educate farmers about soil health and nutrient deficiencies and promote balanced fertiliser use to improve crop productivity.

A detailed briefing was also given on the availability of canal water. The commissioner directed the irrigation department to coordinate with relevant authorities.