DERA GHAZI KHAN: The Punjab government has also announced financial support of Rs25,000 for farmer cardholders cultivating early cotton on more than five acres.

A seminar was organised by the Agriculture Extension Department in Dajal, a suburban area of Jampur, to raise awareness among farmers about early cotton cultivation.

Rajanpur Deputy Commissioner Shafqatullah Mushtaq urged farmers to complete the sowing of early cotton varieties by March 31 to ensure a bountiful yield. He said that early cultivation would also protect the crop from various diseases.

Agriculture Department officials advised maintaining a minimum distance of two feet between plants to not only increase productivity but also safeguard the crop from pests such as whiteflies and other insects.

Additionally, they recommended avoiding rice nursery cultivation before May 20 to prioritize early cotton sowing.

Water supply in canals has already commenced to facilitate early cotton cultivation.

Farmers were encouraged to complete the sowing of early cotton crops by March 31.

The seminar aimed to equip farmers with the necessary knowledge and resources to maximize their cotton yields and ensure a successful farming season.

Published in Dawn, March 19th, 2025