ATTOCK: The Punjab government has almost doubled the subsidy facility and incentives to farmers to Increase Wheat Production per acre this year.
This was stated by Director General Agriculture (Extension) Punjab Dr Ishtiaq Hassan while addressing a one-day wheat seminar for farmers in Hazro on Tuesday.
The seminar organized by the agriculture department was aimed at educating the farmers to achieve full yield of wheat.
On this occasion, many stalls were also set up for the awareness of the farmers, while representatives of many banks were also present on the instructions of the State Bank, where loans were offered to the farmers on easy terms and conditions. On this occasion, Deputy Commissioner Attock Rao Atif Raza, AC Hazro Kamran Ashraf, Deputy Director Agriculture (Extension) Attock Shakeel Ahmed, Deputy Director Agriculture (Extension) Rawalpindi Sadia Bano, Assistant Director Agriculture (Extension) Hazro Dr Javed Ahmed, ADA Hazro Samina Fatima, Cheif Coordinator Attock Press Club Regd. Nisar Ali Khan and a large number of agricultural scientists and farmers were also present. Dr Ishtiaq Ahmed said that that at least 1.2m certified wheat seed bags, each weighing 50kg, will be provided to the farmers at the subsidized rate of Rs1,500 per bag.
He said that last year, Punjab achieved an average per acre wheat yield of 33.1 maunds and agriculture authorities hope to take the average to 40 maunds per acre for the next crop.
While addressing the event as guest of honor, Deputy Commissioner Attock Rao Atif Raza has said that wheat is the staple food in Pakistan and its production plays a significant role in the country’s economy. He said that government is trying to increase agricultural production through modern technology while cultivable land is being digitized.
Speaking on the occasion, Director Agriculture (Extension) Shahid Iftikhar Bukhari said that a vigorous campaign is being launched to increase wheat production in Rawalpindi division. He said that farmers are being made aware through farmer days and meetings.
On this occasion, Dr Javed Ahmed, Director Research Institute of Wheat said that while addressing the farmers, the agronomists said that the farmers should follow the recommendations of the Agriculture Department and cultivate wheat seeds by applying fungicide poison.Director Institute of Research on Soil and Water Chakwal Dr. Obaid-ur-Rehman said that the participants were informed about the recommendations of fertilizers for wheat. He said that the time for wheat cultivation in rainfed areas is near and farmers should complete their preparations in this regard.