‘Multi-billion rupees plan to transform agriculture sector’

LAHORE: Punjab Agriculture Minister Ashiq Hussain Kirmani Wednesday said pursuing the vision of the Punjab Chief Minister farmers would be provided maximum facilities as a priority.

Punjab Agriculture Minister Ashiq Hussain Kirmani Wednesday

A plan to run agriculture sector of the province on modern lines was presented to the minister during a review meeting of Transforming Agriculture and the future important plans/projects of Agriculture Department at Agriculture House.

Punjab Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo briefed the minister on the projects and said the agricultural sector was facing several challenges.

He said the Agriculture Department needed funds to the tune of Rs7.6billion to purchase laser land leveler machinery, Rs10billion for the construction and repair of water courses, Rs10billion for the transfer of tube-wells to solar system, Rs4billion for the revamping of the Agriculture Department (Extension) Wing, Rs10billion to give loans to farmers on easy installments, Rs1.25billion for setting up model agriculture centres and Rs2billion for Centres of Excellence.

The minister said modern agricultural equipment, machinery and solar systems will be provided on subsidy to reduce the production cost of farmers.

He said effective measures will be taken for providing quality seeds for main crops especially soya bean crop.

Substantial results could be achieved while implementing on R&D, Agriculture Marketing and mechanisation plan, he maintained.

The minister said there is need to ensure better use of water and removing production and investment gap.

Kirmani said the revamping of the Agriculture Department (Extension) Wing, establishment of model agriculture centres and provision of loans to farmers on easy terms through Kisan Card is the need of the hour.

‘Mines to be leased on merit’

Minister for Mines & Minerals Sardar Sher Ali has pledged progress in Mines Department aimed at benefiting Punjab’s 120 million residents.

Acknowledging past challenges that led to significant losses within the department, the minister emphasised the untapped potential for growth and development in the mineral-rich tribal areas of southern Punjab.

In a meeting here on Wednesday, the minister underscored the paramount importance of transparent and equitable processes in leasing mines to harness the abundant benefits of underground mineral resources. He announced a shift towards a merit-based approach and ensures that all leases will be publicly advertised, guaranteeing fairness and accountability.

He highlighted the significance of pink salt (Himalayan salt) as a valuable national asset. Efforts to strengthen field offices and expedite recruitment processes are identified as crucial steps to streamline official operations and prevent delays.

He expressed confidence in achieving this year’s revenue generation targets.

Key officials from affiliated institutions of the Mines and Minerals Department attended the meeting.

Each department head provided valuable insights during the briefing session, enabling the minister to assess performance and provide strategic directives for enhancement.