RAWALPINDI: The Punjab Agriculture Department and Pir Mehar Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi on Friday launched a ‘Grow more wheat campaign’ in the Rawalpindi division.

The campaign aims to enhance wheat production and promote sustainable agricultural practices across the six districts of Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Murree and Talagang. The campaign will continue until November 16.

A meeting in this regard was held under the chairmanship of the Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo in which the vice chancellors of Punjab’s agricultural universities and the DG agriculture (extension) were also present. Speaking on the occasion, the secretary agriculture said all means should be utilised to make the campaign effective.

Vice Chancellor of the arid agriculture university Prof Dr Qamaruz Zaman emphasised the vital importance of wheat as a staple crop in Potohar region. He said wheat is one of the most important crops cultivated in the region.

“Our goal is to guide farmers on improved sowing techniques and best agronomic practices to achieve higher yields. PMAS-AAUR in collaboration with the government of Punjab is fully committed to providing farmers with research-based knowledge, practical training and technical support to ensure food security and boost productivity,” he said.

Director Agriculture (extension) Rawalpindi Syed Shahid Iftikhar Bukhari emphasised that increasing wheat production would play a crucial role in strengthening the national economy. This campaign represents a collective effort between government, institutions and our hardworking farmers to increase wheat production. Dean Faculty of Agriculture Prof Dr Tariq Mukhtar said 45 field teams had been organised, comprising 450 students supervised by agricultural experts and faculty members.

These teams will visit different areas of the six districts to provide on-site guidance to farmers regarding modern wheat cultivation techniques, efficient use of water resources, soil fertility management, and the adoption of modern agricultural machinery. He said the campaign serves as a bridge between academia and the farming community, allowing students to gain hands-on field experience while supporting farmers in adopting innovative and science-based agricultural practices.

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2025