LAHORE: The Punjab government on Saturday claimed to have achieved 30 per cent target to cultivate cotton on 3.2 million acres in the province during the current year.

Punjab Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo was chairing a meeting in Multan to review the current situation of cotton cultivation across the province.

MNS University of Agriculture Multan Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Asif Ali, Agriculture Special Secretary south Punjab Sarfraz Hussain Magsi, Additional Secretary Task Force Punjab Shabbir Ahmad Khan, Director Generals of the Agriculture Department Punjab including Abdul Hameed, Naveed Asmat Kahloon, Dr Sajidur Rehman, Dr Aamir Rasool, and Divisional Directors (Ext) Bahawalpur, Multan, DG Khan, Sahiwal and Faisalabad, Kissan Ittehad President Khalid Mehmood Khokhar and cotton expert Dr Muhammad Iqbal Bandesha attended the meeting.

Speaking on the occasion, the agriculture secretary said a target has been set to cultivate cotton over 3.2 million acres in Punjab during the current year, of which 30pc has been achieved so far. He directed field formations and experts that the farmers should be fully educated about modern cotton production technology to enhance their per-acre yield.

He also said that abundant, timely and adequate supply of canal water is being ensured in cotton-growing areas to support optimal crop development.

Mr Sahoo further directed concerned officers for strict implementation of a zero-tolerance policy against adulteration in fertilisers and agricultural pesticides and no negligence will be tolerated in this regard.

After the meeting, Secretary Agriculture Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, along with retired Maj-Gen Shahid Nazir, visited the Model Agri Mall established in Multan.

On this occasion, he instructed that more attractive packages should be introduced at Model Agri Malls to facilitate easy access for quality agricultural inputs to the farming community.

He also added that 10 more Model Agri Malls are under construction in different districts of the province and will be completed soon.

WORKSHOP: Punjab University Institute of Zoology’s 19th four-day national workshop on “Skills for the future integrating modern beekeeping into productive agriculture” concluded on Saturday.

The workshop brought together 105 participants from diverse academic, industrial and professional backgrounds including representatives from PU Institute of Zoology and Faculty of Agriculture, Virtual University of Pakistan, University of Education, University of Sialkot, Hidaya Trust Sindh, Himalayan Wellness Company, as well as practicing beekeepers from across the country.

The workshop aimed to promote modern, science-based apiculture, enhance participants’ technical skills and highlight the vital role of honeybees in pollination, sustainable agriculture and ecosystem health.

Participants received comprehensive training in bee health management, pest control, environmental impacts on honeybees and the development of value-added bee products for entrepreneurial ventures.

A key highlight of the workshop was its extensive hands-on component, which included hive inspection, apiary management, queen rearing, larval grafting, use of beekeeping equipment, preparation of honey-based medicinal and cosmetic products and field visits to operational apiculture sites.

The workshop also featured a series of expert lectures covering both fundamental and applied aspects of apiculture, its agricultural significance and the effects of environmental pollutants on honeybee populations. These sessions provided participants with a balanced blend of theoretical knowledge and practical expertise.

Addressing the concluding ceremony, Institute of Zoology Director Prof Dr Nabila Roohi emphasised the importance of integrating modern beekeeping practices into agricultural systems to enhance productivity and ensure environmental sustainability.

She noted that the workshop represents a significant step toward strengthening apiculture-based livelihoods, raising environmental awareness, and advancing sustainable agricultural practices in Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, May 3rd, 2026