The Punjab government has finalized a robust strategy to boost cotton cultivation in the province, with a special focus on south Punjab, a region synonymous with cotton production.
The initiative aims to reinvigorate the agricultural economy and provide significant financial relief to farmers. A high-level meeting, chaired by Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahu, was held at Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture Multan, to devise actionable steps for implementing this strategy effectively.
Secretary Agriculture Punjab shared the importance of cotton as a cornerstone of south Punjab’s agricultural identity and a key driver of economic prosperity for farmers. He highlighted the need for innovative approaches to address challenges in the cotton sector and ensure timely and effective cultivation practices.
During the meeting, Secretary Sahu revealed that a comprehensive plan has been developed, including data collection on vacant lands suitable for early cotton cultivation. Detailed records of lands to be cleared of sugarcane, oilseeds, potatoes, and vegetables are also being compiled. To further facilitate early cotton sowing, the Agriculture Department is preparing village-level lists of farmers who can benefit from this initiative.
The government is also set to roll out a special incentive package to encourage early cotton cultivation, he stated.
Relevant field formations have been assigned clear targets to ensure widespread adoption of the strategy.
