Punjab launches drive to promote early cotton sowing

LAHORE:A review meeting on the target for early cotton sowing was held under the chairmanship of Secretary Agriculture Iftikhar Ali Sahoo. Director General Agriculture (Extension) Chaudhry Abdul Hameed briefed the meeting on the progress of early cotton sowing.

On this occasion, Secretary Agriculture stated that the target is to achieve early sowing of cotton on one million acres. For the first time in Punjab, a formal campaign is being conducted to promote early cotton sowing.

He announced that financial assistance will be provided to farmers who complete early cotton sowing by March 31. Under this initiative, farmers cultivating five acres or more of early cotton will receive cash assistance of Rs25,000. The registration process for farmers opting for early cotton sowing is ongoing, and a verification form will be prepared to inspect the cultivated areas.

The secretary also commended the role of field formations in ensuring the success of this campaign and expressed satisfaction with the ongoing efforts. The meeting was attended by Additional Secretary Agriculture Task Force Punjab, Shabbir Ahmed Khan, along with Directors General of Agriculture Punjab, including Chaudhry Abdul Hameed, Naveed Asmat Kahloon, Abdul Qayyum, and Dr Amir Rasool.