Lahore: A delegation of Morocco’s OCP Group (Office Cherifien des Phosphates) met Punjab Agriculture and Livestock Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani here on Thursday and discussed cooperation in improving soil health and promoting balanced use of fertilisers in the province.
The meeting focused on matters of mutual interest, particularly soil health, effective use of phosphate fertilisers and the development of customised fertilizers according to soil requirements in Punjab.
The OCP Group representatives briefed the minister on the use of phosphate fertilizers and the preparation of customised fertilizers based on soil analysis.
They also discussed the nutritional requirements of major crops, including wheat, rice and cotton.
Speaking on the occasion, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani said balanced and proportionate use of fertilizers according to the nutritional requirements of crops was essential for increasing per-acre yields.
He said wheat was the largest crop of Punjab and ensuring the availability of fertilizers for the upcoming wheat crop was among the government’s top priorities.
The minister stressed the need to use fertilizers on the basis of soil analysis, adding that under the Labs on Wheels initiative launched on the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, farmers were being provided soil-testing facilities at their doorstep.
He said Punjab would benefit from OCP Group’s expertise and experience in improving soil health across the province.
Punjab Agriculture Secretary Shakil Ahmad Mian said soil health was among the top priorities of the Agriculture Department. He said the Labs on Wheels initiative was helping promote balanced and proportionate use of fertilisers on a scientific basis.