RAWALPINDI: The Potohar region is highly suitable for cultivation of high-value crops. An agriculture transformation plan will be prepared for the development of the agriculture in the region.

This was stated by Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo while presiding over a meeting in Rawalpindi.

He said agricultural development in the Potohar region required joint efforts between the Department of Agriculture, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Agency for Barani Area Development and the Irrigation Department. He said the Potohar region had vast potential for the production of various fruits, vegetables and flowers.

He underscored the need for research into crop production and product development. He also stressed the importance of olives and groundnuts, noting that research should be accelerated to enhance the production and value of new varieties.

Mr Sahoo formed a committee tasked with preparing an agriculture transformation plan for the Potohar region with Director General of Agriculture Extension as the focal person at the provincial level and Director Extension Rawalpindi at the divisional level. As per the secretary’s instructions, the plan is expected within a month and will also involve progressive farmers in its implementation.

Punjab Water Management Director General Malik Mohammad Akram noted that farm water management had played a vital role in enhancing the modern irrigation system and water resources in Potohar region. He said 0.15 million acres can be irrigated in this region through small dams while 1.68 million acres can be irrigated with the Jalalpur irrigation scheme.

Director Agriculture Extension Rawalpindi Division Syed Shahid Iftikhar Bukhari said groundnut production competitions should be organised to promote greater cultivation and yield.

The meeting was attended by Director Agriculture Extension Rawalpindi Division Syed Iftikhar Bukhari, Director On-farm Management Syed Sajjad Ali Shah, Director Barani Agricultural Research Institute Chakwal Ghulam Rabbani and Director Centre for Olive Research and Training Chakwal. Director General Agriculture Extension Chaudhry Abdul Hameed, Director General Water Management Punjab Malik Mohammad Akram, Chief Scientist AARI, Faisalabad Dr Sajidur Rehman and Director General Crop Reporting Dr Abdul Qayyum participated through video link.

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2024