LAHORE:The Punjab Horticulture Authority (PHA) will set up commercial nurseries in all districts under its administrative control to sell seasonal flowers and ornamental plants at subsidised prices, Director General Ahmad Usman Javaid said on Thursday.

Addressing a virtual meeting of district managing directors, Mr Javaid said the move was part of a broader effort to raise the authority’s own-source revenue and reduce its dependence on government funding.

The PHA currently runs two commercial nurseries, along with gift and flower shops, in Lahore, he noted, adding that extending the network to other districts would let the public buy seasonal and ornamental plants closer to home.

District horticulture agencies will also prepare seasonal flower calendars to coordinate planting and improve the upkeep of green spaces. Their plantation and flowering plans will reflect local climate, soil type, water availability and landscaping needs, instead of following one model across the province, he said.

The authority will give priority to suitable native species, such as amaltas and bougainvillaea, to increase green cover, he said, adding that planting would be matched to each city’s environment.

Amaltas, with its yellow flower clusters, suits avenues, parks and green belts, while Bougainvillaea suits hedges and medians. Both plants are suitable for Punjab’s sunny climate and ornamental landscaping, Mr Javaid noted.

Bamboo will be planted along selected drains and waterways to prevent soil erosion. Its extensive root system can stabilise embankments and stop fast-flowing water from washing soil away, he said.

In line with the chief minister’s directions, districts will also install planters and flowerpots of uniform design along roads, footpaths and greenbelts to give public spaces a consistent look.

Javaid also directed the managing directors to develop key performance indicators (KPIs) to gauge officials’ performance and progress against targets.

The KPIs will cover plantation programmes, the upkeep of parks and public spaces, and the timely completion of development projects, he said.

Javaid said the PHA was working to expand Punjab’s green cover in line with the chief minister’s vision, with locally suited plantation and better landscaping central to its efforts.

LAHORE:The Punjab Horticulture Authority (PHA) will set up commercial nurseries in all districts under its administrative control to sell seasonal flowers and ornamental plants at subsidised prices, Director General Ahmad Usman Javaid said on Thursday.

Addressing a virtual meeting of district managing directors, Mr Javaid said the move was part of a broader effort to raise the authority’s own-source revenue and reduce its dependence on government funding.

The PHA currently runs two commercial nurseries, along with gift and flower shops, in Lahore, he noted, adding that extending the network to other districts would let the public buy seasonal and ornamental plants closer to home.

District horticulture agencies will also prepare seasonal flower calendars to coordinate planting and improve the upkeep of green spaces. Their plantation and flowering plans will reflect local climate, soil type, water availability and landscaping needs, instead of following one model across the province, he said.

The authority will give priority to suitable native species, such as amaltas and bougainvillaea, to increase green cover, he said, adding that planting would be matched to each city’s environment.

Amaltas, with its yellow flower clusters, suits avenues, parks and green belts, while Bougainvillaea suits hedges and medians. Both plants are suitable for Punjab’s sunny climate and ornamental landscaping, Mr Javaid noted.

Bamboo will be planted along selected drains and waterways to prevent soil erosion. Its extensive root system can stabilise embankments and stop fast-flowing water from washing soil away, he said.

In line with the chief minister’s directions, districts will also install planters and flowerpots of uniform design along roads, footpaths and greenbelts to give public spaces a consistent look.

Javaid also directed the managing directors to develop key performance indicators (KPIs) to gauge officials’ performance and progress against targets.

The KPIs will cover plantation programmes, the upkeep of parks and public spaces, and the timely completion of development projects, he said.

Javaid said the PHA was working to expand Punjab’s green cover in line with the chief minister’s vision, with locally suited plantation and better landscaping central to its efforts.