DC Directs Departments to Ensure Availability of Agricultural Inputs and Promote Modern Farming Practices

By Muhammad Shahzad | Lahore, Pakistan

KASUR: The district administration of Kasur has intensified efforts to achieve its wheat cultivation target in line with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision for agricultural development, food security, farmers’ prosperity and increased wheat production.

In this regard, a meeting of the District Wheat Committee was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Asif Raza to review progress towards the district’s cultivation target, availability of agricultural inputs and measures to encourage farmers.

The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner (Social Services) Zohaib Mumtaz, all Assistant Commissioners, Deputy Director Agriculture Extension Kasur, Director Plant Protection Kasur, representatives of the Irrigation, Public Relations and Food departments, fertiliser and pesticide dealers’ associations, and farmers.

During the meeting, participants emphasised the need to utilise all available resources to achieve the wheat cultivation target of 320,000 acres in Kasur district.

Officials were informed that sufficient stocks of certified seeds, fertilisers and pesticides were available across the district to meet farmers’ requirements during the wheat season. The relevant departments were directed to closely monitor the availability and distribution of these agricultural inputs.

Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Asif Raza said wheat was a vital crop for meeting the country’s food requirements and ensuring national food security.

He noted that the Punjab government’s support price of Rs4,500 per maund would help farmers receive better returns for their hard work and make wheat cultivation more attractive.

The DC directed the Agriculture Department and other relevant institutions to launch a comprehensive awareness campaign to encourage farmers to expand wheat cultivation. He stressed the importance of providing guidance on modern farming techniques, quality seeds and the balanced use of fertilisers to improve productivity.

Issuing special instructions to all Assistant Commissioners, the deputy commissioner said wheat cultivation must be ensured on government land allocated under the Apna Khet Apna Rozgar programme, as well as on other available government land.

He called for coordinated and practical measures by the relevant departments to ensure the productive use of government-owned land for wheat cultivation.

Muhammad Asif Raza further directed all departments to fulfil their responsibilities diligently to achieve the district’s cultivation target. He said farmers’ problems must be resolved on a priority basis and no obstacles should be allowed to disrupt the availability of seeds, fertilisers or other essential agricultural inputs.

He also stressed regular field-level monitoring of cultivation activities and directed Assistant Commissioners to review the performance of the relevant departments in their respective areas.

The deputy commissioner expressed confidence that coordinated efforts by the district administration and the Agriculture Department would help achieve the wheat cultivation target, increase agricultural production, strengthen food security and improve facilities for farmers.