MULTAN:Secretary Agriculture South Punjab Saqib Ali Ateel said that cotton was sown at an area of 3.1 million acres in the south Punjab against the set target of 3.4 million acres.

While talking to a delegation of Regional Standing Committee for Cotton and Textile Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by convener, Saqib Ateel remarked that the remaining target would be completed within the ongoing month.

He informed that field staffers were paying visits in rural areas and convincing farmers about maximum cultivation of cotton. He stated that the farmers were also suggested not to apply pesticides till 90 after sowing. The step will help reduce input costs. About the present condition of the cotton crop, the official remarked that the present condition of cotton was very good. He hoped that the country would achieve better productivity. Convener Committee Malik Suhail appreciated the efforts of the department and stated that the past government ignored cotton. It is a need of hours to ensure maximum cultivation of cotton so that farmers living standards could be improved. The delegation stressed upon implementation on the cotton zoning system. On this occasion, officials from the agriculture department were also present.