Wheat cultivation ensured on over 16.5m acres in Punjab: Kirmani

LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Agriculture Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani revealed that the provincial government aims to ensure wheat cultivation over more than 16.5 million acres during the current Rabi season in Punjab. This announcement was made during a review meeting on wheat cultivation in Sahiwal on Tuesday, where targets, fertilizer availability, and other arrangements were discussed.

Kirmani stated that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's special directions have propelled the wheat cultivation campaign across the province. Under the Apna Khet Apna Rozgar Programme, Ghoori Pal Programme, and Nambardari Grant, the Punjab government is committed to ensuring wheat cultivation on all designated areas, in line with the chief minister's vision.

The Agriculture Department is working in tandem with the federal government to manage fertiliser production, imports, and timely supplies. Adequate fertilizer stocks have been made available for the Rabi season, Kirmani added. He further revealed that the wheat procurement mechanism would be finalized by March 15, as instructed by the chief minister.

Secretary Agriculture Shakeel Ahmad Mian informed that the department is ensuring the availability of fertilizers at officially notified prices across the province, with government-notified price lists displayed at all fertiliser dealers' premises. Dr Muhammad Asif Tufail, Commissioner of Sahiwal Division, emphasized that the divisional and district administrations would collaborate closely with the Agriculture Department to meet the prescribed wheat cultivation targets.