Punjab targets record wheat yield for food security

MULTAN: Wheat cultivation is crucial for Pakistan’s food security. Punjab, contributing 70% of the nation’s grain production, plays a pivotal role. This year, the Punjab aims to cultivate wheat on 16.5 million acres, targeting a yield of 21.1 million metric tons.

To incentivize farmers and boost production, the Punjab government has introduced several innovative measures. A special package offers 1,000 tractors to farmers cultivating over 25 acres and 1,000 laser land levellers to those farming 12.5 to 25 acres, allocated through a lottery system. This initiative aims to reduce production costs and encourage sustainable farming practices.

To support small farmers, the “Chief Minister’s Kisan Card” scheme provides interest-free loans of Rs 150 billion annually. These funds enable farmers to purchase high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural chemicals at fixed prices. Additionally, the government has reduced the price of certified wheat seed varieties by Rs 2,000 and ensured the availability of DAP and other fertilizers at controlled rates.

Talking to The News, Punjab Agriculture Information Director General Naveed Asmat Kahloon said that under this scheme, small farmers can purchase quality fertilizers, seeds, and agricultural chemicals at fixed prices through the interest-free agricultural loan scheme. This year, the cost of certified seeds of approved wheat varieties of the Punjab Agriculture Department has also been reduced by about Rs 2,000. At the same time, the availability of DAP and other fertilizers in sufficient quantities has also been ensured at a controlled rate, he said.

This year, a comprehensive plan is being implemented to make every stage of wheat cultivation successful. Punjab Agriculture Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani and Punjab Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahu are holding regular review meetings to review the wheat cultivation target. Along with this, meetings of divisional and district committees are also being held regularly.

Monitoring teams have been formed with the support of the district administration to ensure the availability of quality fertilizers, seeds, and agricultural chemicals in the market. In addition, mega farmer gatherings and exhibition plots are being organized for practical training and guidance of farmers. Field formations under the Punjab Agriculture Department have been assigned special tasks for wheat cultivation.

The Punjab government has recruited young agricultural graduates under the Punjab Chief Minister Internship Program. They have also been assigned responsibilities for wheat cultivation. Along with this, senior students of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Barani Agriculture University Rawalpindi and Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Agriculture University Multan are also participating in the wheat cultivation campaign.

This year, to promote healthy competition among farmers, production competitions will also be organized at the provincial and district levels and attractive prizes will be given to farmers who achieve high yields. The linkages between the Agriculture and Irrigation Departments have been further strengthened so that the water requirement during wheat cultivation can be met without interruption. In addition, a comprehensive campaign is also underway on print, electronic, and social media to raise awareness among farmers, through which wheat farmers are being made aware of modern production technology and government policies.

The Punjab Agriculture Department has directed farmers to follow modern production technology to achieve high wheat production. In irrigated areas, they should cultivate the varieties approved by the Punjab Agriculture Department, including Subhani 21, Sadiq 21, NARC Super, and Borlag 16 before November 20.

Nishan 21, Nawab 21, Rahbar 21, and Ghazi 19 are suitable for cultivation from November 21 to 30.

Farmers cultivating wheat until December 10 should prefer Bhakkar Star 19, Ujala 16, and Anaj 17. Rabi drills are recommended for land preparation, with super seeders used for paddy fields and rotavators for cotton fields to ensure soft and fertile soil. The seed quantity should be 40-45 kg/acre before November 20 and 50 kg/acre, afterwards, with a germination rate of at least 85%. Farmers are being educated on balanced fertiliser use, with phosphorus and potash applied before sowing and nitrogen fertilisers later. Proper irrigation is crucial for high wheat production, with the first irrigation done within 20-25 days after sowing for early growth. Subsequent irrigations should be at 45, 70-75, 100, and 120 days to provide sufficient moisture. Naveed Asmat Kahloon emphasised that these irrigation

practices will promote vigorous growth and significantly increase yields.