MULTAN, Oct 1: The federal government will establish a meat development board and 2,500 model livestock farms in 80 districts of the country.

This was said by Federal Agriculture and Livestock Minister Sikandar Hayat Khan during a press conference here on Sunday.

He said the federal government was providing Rs12.30 billion as subsidy on manufacture of fertiliser.

He said the government had announced a cut in the price of fertiliser bag for giving maximum relief to farmers.

The minister said the government had already purchased 100,000 ton fertiliser for spring season.

He said fertiliser companies would advertise reduction in price very soon and thereafter, the federal, provincial and district governments would ensure low rates through price control magistrates.

He said the government had decided to establish a meat development board and 2,500 model livestock farms in 80 districts of the country with the collaboration of private sector where medical treatment to the cattle would be provided. The government would share 15 per cent expenditure in this regard, he said.

He said the agriculture ministry had introduced four new varieties of wheat that would help increase production.

The minister said agricultural scientists were now able to introduce new varieties in three years instead of six years.

BODY FOUND: A headless body of a youth was found here on Sunday in Qatabpur police station limits.