Punjab explores ways to increase rice production, exports

LAHORE:Punjab has initiated a process of exploring ways to increase rice production and exports. Rice is cultivated at around six million acres of land in Punjab annually in Kharif season.

Several practical initiatives to increase rice exports are being undertaken by Punjab Agriculture Department, said Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo while presiding over a consultative conference held here at Agriculture House on enhancing rice production and exports on Thursday.

A large number of rice farmers, exporters, and experts from the Agriculture Department Punjab participated in the conference. On this occasion, the secretary stated that modern transplanters and harvesters will be provided for mechanized rice farming. The distribution of 5,000 super seeders in rice-growing areas will be completed soon. Only recommended pesticides will be allowed for spraying on rice crops. He emphasised that the practical suggestions from stakeholders participating in the conference will be incorporated into the action plan. The conference was also attended by Special Secretary Agriculture Agha Nabeel Akhtar, Additional Secretary Agriculture (Admin) Ejaz Munir, Additional Secretary Agriculture (Planning) Capt (retd) Waqas Rasheed, Director Generals Agriculture and other officials and stakeholders.