VEHARI, June 4: Governor Khalid Maqbool has said the government would ensure provision of best quality cotton seed and pesticides to the growers and solve their problems on priority basis.

He was addressing a farmers’ gathering after inaugurating cotton sowing in Chah Rang Bharywala village, Mailsi, about 50 kilometres from here, on Tuesday.

The governor admitted that the government, despite all claims, failed to solve the growers’ problems last year.

He urged them to try to increase cotton production and promised that he would make efforts to increase its support price.

The government would announce cotton policy in a few days, he said.

Governor Maqbool said the water crisis was being resolved and expressed the hope that the experts would reach a positive conclusion soon.

He claimed that the government had purchased 2.6 million tons of wheat from the Punjab. It would purchase more wheat from the growers, he added.

He claimed that there was no shortage of gunny bags in the province.

He said due to the government efforts, sugar mills have paid 93 per cent dues to the growers.

He said he had directed the ADBP and other financial institutions to extend all possible facilities to growers for bringing more land under cultivation.

Replying to a question about withdrawal of agricultural income tax, water cess and revenue, he said the taxes would not be withdrawn. The growers should pay the taxes for the betterment of the agriculture sector, he added.

Governor Maqbool criticized some politicians over their attitude towards the government in the present crisis situation.

Earlier, the governor watched the exhibition organized by the agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and irrigation departments. The district Nazim and other government officials accompanied him.