LAHORE: The Punjab agriculture department claims that the recent rains have insignificantly affected the wheat crop.

Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo presided over a meeting about wheat management.

He was briefed that no adverse effects were observed on wheat crop due to the recent rains. However, the rain spells have slightly delayed the grain harvesting process.

Mr Sahoo demanded wheat harvesting and threshing report on a daily basis and compilation of per acre yield record.

He said that the ongoing activities in the field for technical guidance of the farmers regarding harvesting, storage and delivery of wheat should be accelerated.

“Wheat advisory should be issued keeping in view the weather conditions.”

The secretary directed that guidance should be provided to cotton growers on advanced production technology immediately after wheat harvest in

south Punjab and monitoring should be expedited to ensure availability of quality agricultural inputs in the markets at fixed prices.

He said in view of the importance of the ongoing campaign regarding cotton cultivation, the miscellaneous duties of all the staff of the agriculture department have been terminated.

The officers and field staff of the agriculture department should improve the field activities to guide the cotton farmers.

Coordination with the local officials of the irrigation department should also be improved regarding the supply of water for cotton cultivation.

Special Secretary Agriculture Dr. Shehanshah Faisal Azim, Director General Crop Reporting Dr Abdul Qayyum, Consultant Dr Anjum Ali, Agricultural Information Director Naveed Asmat Kahloon and other officers participated in the meeting.

Director General Agriculture (Extension) Dr Ishtiaq Hasan and divisional directors of south Punjab (extension wing) joined the sitting through video link.

Published in Dawn, April 15th, 2024