Nine model agri centres to be set up in Punjab

LAHORE:The Punjab government has decided to establish nine model agricultural centres across the province.

The strategic decision was taken in a meeting chaired by caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi here Tuesday at his office to deliberate on the establishment of model agricultural centres.

During the session, a strategic decision was made to establish nine such centres across the province. The chief minister directed formulating a comprehensive plan to ensure farmers have centralised access to a spectrum of services, emphasising the implementation of measures aimed at modernising the agricultural sector. The participants were briefed on the Okara-based model agriculture centre during the meeting. Stressing the importance of a thorough plan, the chief minister urged the development of a detailed blueprint for the establishment of these centres.

At the divisional level, these centres are poised to become comprehensive hubs offering essential services to farmers all under one roof. Facilities, including seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural machinery and equipment will be made available to farmers at these centres.

Further, the meeting highlighted that these centres would encompass marketing and storage facilities for a variety of produce, including fruits, vegetables and other commodities. The phased programme for the establishment of model agriculture centres will extend to districts as well. Provincial Minister SM Tanveer, Planning and Development Board chairman, secretary agriculture and agriculture experts attended the meeting.

CM reviews WCLA projects

The caretaker chief minister chaired a progress review meeting on Walled City of Lahore Authority projects at the Chief Minister's Office.

During the session, the restoration of Kharak Singh’s historic mansion took centre stage, with plans to refurbish its rooms for tourism promotion, ensuring standard facilities for tourists' accommodation.

Mohsin Naqvi ordered the initiation of necessary steps for relocating the Rim Market and accelerating work on the Lahore Fort Cafe.

The meeting also assessed progress on the restoration projects for the historical gates of Lahore and fort Kohna Qasim Bagh in Multan. Mohsin Naqvi emphasised the timely completion of these projects, emphasising the restoration of the wall around the historical gates to its original condition for full protection.

Highlighting the historical significance of Lahore's gates and fort Kohna Qasim Bagh in Multan, the chief minister envisioned them becoming key attractions for tourists’ post-restoration. The meeting disclosed plans to remove poles on Mall Road to restore its historical character, with post-restoration management involving the hiring of experts. During the briefing,

Walled City of Lahore Authority DG Kamran Lashari revealed swift progress in the restoration of Bradley Hall in Lahore, a venue where notable figures like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Gandhi, and Bhagat Singh had addressed. The historic Barkat Ali Islamia Hall in Lahore is also undergoing restoration. The Authority is committed to restoring 10 shrines to their historical and ancient conditions.