September 10, 2008	Wednesday	Ramazan 09, 1429

LAHORE, Sept 9: Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has directed increase in wheat production target for the current year from 18 million ton to 20 million ton, and said the department should provide all-out guidance to cultivators and extend necessary facilities for the purpose.

He was addressing a meeting held here on Tuesday to evolve an effective strategy for wheat production, says a handout.

He said provision of quality seeds, fertilisers, agri implements and soft-term loans to cultivators would be ensured. He said the government would provide 10,000 green tractors to farmers at subsidised rates.

The meeting was attended by the Punjab chief secretary, Planning & Development chairman, secretaries of food, irrigation and finance departments, Punjab Seed Cooperation managing-director and the agriculture (extension) director-general.

He directed the agriculture secretary to submit him comprehensive recommendations within two days regarding provision of DAP fertiliser, agri-implements, loans and quality seeds to farmers.

The CM said complete transparency be maintained in the process of provision of subsidised green tractors to farmers and applicants should be present at the time of computerised balloting in this regard.

Shahbaz Sharif said as other provinces also relied on Punjab for quality seeds, therefore effective measures be adopted for their easy availability and there should be no complaints about their shortage.

He ordered formation of a high-level committee for monitoring and improving performance of agricultural sector and said he would himself preside over the committee meetings on a monthly basis.

Earlier, the agriculture secretary gave a detailed briefing on measures taken by the department for increasing wheat production.