FAISALABAD, Aug 25: Production of food grain could be doubled in Pakistan by switching over to bed plantation, said US Agronomist Greg A Mezner.

In a meeting with University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Bashir Ahmad in his chamber here on Wednesday, he said International Centre for Wheat and Maize was preparing a report to help Pakistan in enhancing its wheat and maize production.

He said 90 per cent wheat and maize crop was cultivated on beds in Mexico, which had given surprising results. He was appreciative of the fabrication of wheat bed planters on commercial basis in the university and said that its availability to growers should be ensured to increase its production.

He said banks in Bangladesh were providing loans along with modern technology and practical training to the growers, which had salutary impact on its agriculture.

The vice-chancellor said that on-farm research had been declared mandatory for the university students while a model village was being developed in Faisalabad for the practical demonstration of modern technology.

He said that a survey was also conducted to sow wheat under a comprehensive 'wheat plan' in Faisalabad. The American expert also visited Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Lab and experimental farms of Water Management Research Centre. -APP