{
  "id": 19578247,
  "title": "Bahawalpur holds distinctive position in agri landscape: minister",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/bahawalpur-holds-distinctive-position-in-agri-landscape-minister",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-12T00:25:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40448526/bahawalpur-holds-distinctive-position-in-agri-landscape-minister"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Punjab government in Pakistan has set an ambitious wheat cultivation target of 2.7 million acres in the Bahawalpur division, as it strives to enhance crop productivity and ensure timely sowing. Punjab Minister for Agriculture, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, emphasized the unique agricultural significance of the Bahawalpur division during a recent meeting at the Commissioner's Office. Attended by members of the National and Provincial Assemblies, senior officials, and stakeholders from the divisional and district administration, the meeting aimed to coordinate efforts between the agriculture department and local governments to meet the cultivation target.\n\nKirmani highlighted that the Punjab government is working closely with the federal government to ensure the availability of fertilizers for farmers, both through manufacturing, import, and supply. The minister also disclosed that the Bahawalpur division is included in the Apna Khet Apna Rozgar Programme and the Numberdari Grant, as directed by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. These initiatives are designed to encourage farmers to utilize high-quality seeds and land allocated for wheat cultivation.\n\nIn an effort to improve crop quality, the Punjab government has introduced a subsidy of Rs450 million on certified wheat seed supplied by the Punjab Seed Corporation. Kirmani also announced a crackdown on those involved in the adulteration of fertilizers and agricultural pesticides, promising strict action against those exploiting farmers through the sale of substandard agricultural inputs.\n\nSecretary Agriculture Punjab, Shakeel Ahmad Mian, assured farmers of receiving technical guidance on modern production practices from sowing to harvesting. Regular review meetings would be held to monitor progress and achieve the cultivation targets. Bahawalpur Division Commissioner, Irfan Ali Kathia, confirmed the active participation of divisional and district administrations in the wheat cultivation campaign, in line with the chief minister's directives.\n\nDuring a separate meeting, Kirmani directed anti-smog squads to intensify surveillance during the ongoing anti-smog campaign. The aim is to ensure accurate reporting of fire incidents and preventive measures, while stressing the importance of effective field monitoring to prevent activities contributing to air pollution. Secretary Agriculture Mian directed relevant formations to compile and submit daily reports on anti-smog operations to maintain proper oversight of enforcement activities.",
  "summary": "LAHORE: The Punjab government has set a wheat cultivation target of 2.7 million acres in Bahawalpur division as the provincial government steps up efforts to ensure timely sowing and improve crop productivity. Punjab Minister for Agriculture Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani stated this while chairing a meeting on wheat cultivation at the Commissioner’s Office, Bahawalpur. Members of the National and…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}