‘Provision of quality pesticides, fertilizers to farmers being ensured’

MULTAN: Punjab Agriculture Secretary Wasif Khursheed said on Sunday provision of best quality pesticides and fertilisers to the farmers were being ensured. In a statement issued here, he said that negotiations were underway with private sector for ensuring availability of pesticide on low rates. He said that all resources were being utilised to provide fertilisers on subsidised rates to farmers and there would be no compromise on quality of fertilisers. He said that divisional directors, deputy directors and agriculture (extension) assistant directors would be responsible for black marketing of fertilisers in their areas. Cotton seed was being given to farmers on Rs 1,000 subsidy per bag for cultivation of cotton crop at 100,000 acre land. He said that the Agriculture Department was determined to ensure maximum price of cotton to farmers and different options were being discussed with federal government for the purpose. He said that the Agriculture Department was in touch with the Irrigation Department for early cultivation of cotton crop and uninterrupted water supply.