FAISALABAD: An amount of Rs 6.464 billion has been provided for strengthening the agriculture sector in the Punjab on special instructions of Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif.

This was stated by Provincial Minister for Agriculture Malik Ahmad Ali Aulakh while inspecting research laboratories, offices and model agriculture farm at Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) Faisalabad here on Saturday.

During inspection, he banned the use of mobile phones in research laboratories in order to focus on research work.

He directed agriculture scientists to make coordinated efforts for providing benefits of research results at doorstep of farmers.

He stressed the need that the quality seeds should be provided to peasants for achieving maximum yield of different crops.

He said that farmers should be facilitated with water and soil tests besides apprising them for the use of modern technology for crop cultivation.

The minister said that special campaign had been started in the Punjab under the aegis of agriculture department to ensure the pest free wheat crop.

He directed officers to launch a campaign against the spurious and fake fertilizers.

The minister also inspected the model farm of sugarcane and stressed the need provide latest research results to the sugarcane growers.

Meanwhile, the minister paid a surprise visit at Agriculture Engineering Workshop.

He checked attendance register of the staff and order to take departmental action against the absentees.