RAWALPINDI: A high-level meeting chaired by Minister for Agriculture Punjab Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani to review efforts for promoting wheat cultivation and achieving the prescribed targets held at the Commissioner’s Office, Rawalpindi. The meeting was attended by Malik Iftikhar Ahmed, MPA and Parliamentary Secretary for Zakat and Ushr; Malik Aitbar Khan, MPA; Secretary Agriculture Punjab Shakeel Ahmad Mian; Deputy Commissioners of Rawalpindi Division; Director Generals of the Agriculture Department; relevant officers, farmers, and other stakeholders.
Addressing the meeting, Minister for Agriculture Punjab Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani said that the Provincial Government has fixed the proposed wheat support price at Rs. 4,500 per maund, while the wheat cultivation target for Punjab during the current season has been set at 16.5 million acres and a target of 1.6 million acres had been set for Rawalpindi Division. He added that special assignments have been given to the field formations to ensure wheat cultivation over an area exceeding the prescribed targets.
The Provincial Minister further said that wheat has a fundamental importance for national food security and wheat cultivation has become a profitable venture for farmers as a result of the government’s ongoing initiatives. He said that a subsidy of Rs. 320 million is being provided to promote the use of certified seed, while certified seed supplied by the Punjab Seed Corporation is available at Rs. 7,000 per bag after a subsidy of Rs. 800 per bag.
He further informed the meeting that an additional interest-free loan of Rs. 17 billion was being provided for the purchase of DAP fertilizer for 5 million acres. Through the Kissan Card, farmers are also being facilitated with an additional interest-free loan of Rs. 3,500 per acre, benefiting approximately one million farmers.
Secretary Agriculture Punjab Shakeel Ahmad Mian informed the meeting that implementation of the Agriculture Transformation Plan is underway in the Potohar region. He said that the ongoing campaign to promote wheat cultivation is being regularly monitored through field formations. He further said that active and practical support from divisional and district administrations is essential to achieve the prescribed wheat cultivation targets.
