On the directions of Chief Minister, Punjab, the District Administration, the staff of Agriculture Department and the farmers should strive for increase in cotton production. These views were expressed by Additional Chief Secretary South Punjab Captain (Rtd) Saqib Zafar while presiding over a review meeting of ongoing activities about cotton action plan 2023-24.
Secretary Agriculture, Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, Secretary Agriculture South Punjab Saqib Ali Ateel, Chief Engineer Irrigation Khalid Bashir and officers of the Department of Agriculture and other related stakeholders participated. During the briefing, it was told that 2.314 million acres cotton cultivation target have been set in Bahawalpur division this year, of which 1.445 million acres have been brought under cultivation so far , which is 62 percent of the total target.
On this occasion, Secretary Agriculture, Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo said during the meeting that cotton cultivation is going on and all the stakeholders should burn their midnight oil for achieving cotton cultivation and per acre production.
We should work day and night for this cause. This will not only make our farmers prosperous but also the country’s economy will get stability. Government of Punjab is using all resources for technical guidance and support of farmers.
He further said that in order to make cotton cultivation profitable, its support price of 8500 rupees per maund has been announced in a timely manner and this compensation will be ensured. Apart from this, Rs. 600 million are being given on certified seeds while Rs. 11 Billion subsidy is being given on fertilizers. He directed the concerned authorities to ensure strict monitoring of the quota of the respective districts under track and trace system for delivery of fertilizers.
Not only legal action will be taken against the dealers involved in illegal profiteering of fertilizers but also their dealership license will also be cancelled.
