Punjab achieves 52pc of its wheat cultivation target

The Punjab province in Pakistan has reached 52 percent of its wheat cultivation target for the current season, according to a meeting chaired by the Punjab Agriculture Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani on Friday. The area under wheat cultivation has increased by 7.7 percent compared to the same period last year. The minister directed the Agriculture department to intensify field monitoring to ensure the achievement of wheat cultivation targets, availability of certified seeds and fertilizers at notified prices, and strict action against those involved in burning crop residues.

At the meeting, it was revealed that 51 percent of the cultivated area had adopted line sowing, while the use of certified seeds stood at 44 percent. The minister emphasized the importance of providing active support to farmers throughout the wheat cultivation campaign and ensuring the availability of quality seeds and fertilizers at officially notified prices.

The meeting also discussed paddy harvesting and measures to prevent crop residue burning, with field monitoring continuing during weekly holidays and strict action against those found involved in burning crop residues. Under the Kissan Card programme, agricultural loans worth Rs 100 billion have been approved for one million farmers; 818,000 farmers have already received credit facilities, and Rs 26 billion has been utilized.

The fifth phase of the Green Tractor Programme aims to distribute 9,500 locally manufactured and imported tractors, with 1,840 tractors already distributed under the fourth phase. The department received 305,000 applications for the fifth phase, of which 188,000 have undergone verification. Key priorities of the department include achieving wheat cultivation targets, timely recovery of Kissan Card loans, preventing crop residue burning, and strict action against counterfeit fertilizers.

The minister directed field officers to discharge their responsibilities with dedication and diligence, emphasizing the importance of completing all agricultural development projects within their prescribed timelines.