LAHORE: Punjab has completed 51 percent of its Wheat cultivation target, recording a 7.7 percent increase in sowing compared to last year.
According to the Punjab Agriculture Department, cultivation activities are progressing across the province during the current agricultural season.
Officials shared the latest figures during a briefing to Punjab Agriculture Minister Ashiq Kirmani on Friday.
The meeting reviewed cultivation progress, farmer support initiatives, agricultural loans, and government programs aimed at improving farming activities.
Punjab Wheat Cultivation Reaches 51 Percent
Agriculture Department officials informed the minister that Punjab had achieved 51 percent of its cultivation target.
The area under cultivation has increased by 7.7 percent compared with the corresponding period last year.
Officials also shared details about the farming methods being adopted across the province.
According to the briefing, 51 percent of the cultivated area has been sown using line sowing techniques.
Meanwhile, the use of certified seeds has reached 44 percent during the ongoing cultivation campaign.
Line sowing is a farming method that places seeds in organized rows to support crop management.
Certified seeds are also important for maintaining crop quality and improving agricultural productivity.
Agriculture Minister Orders Support for Farmers
Punjab Agriculture Minister Ashiq Kirmani directed field teams to provide active assistance to farmers throughout the cultivation campaign.
He emphasized the importance of achieving provincial agricultural targets through effective monitoring and field support.
The minister instructed officials to ensure the availability of quality seeds and fertilizers.
He also stressed that agricultural inputs must be supplied at officially notified prices.
The instructions aim to help farmers complete their cultivation activities without unnecessary difficulties.
Agriculture Department teams were directed to remain engaged with farming communities during the ongoing sowing season.
Punjab Approves Rs100 Billion in Farmer Loans
The meeting also reviewed financial assistance provided under the Punjab Kissan Card scheme.
Officials reported that agricultural loans worth Rs100 billion had been approved for one million farmers.
The approvals were granted under the fifth phase of the Kissan Card program.
According to the briefing, approximately 818,000 farmers have already received access to credit facilities.
Meanwhile, farmers have utilized Rs26 billion from the approved agricultural financing.
The scheme provides financial support to farmers for meeting their agricultural requirements.
These facilities are intended to help farmers manage cultivation expenses and purchase necessary farming inputs.
Green Tractor Program to Provide 9,500 More Tractors
Officials also presented updates on the Punjab Green Tractor Program during the meeting.
Under the fourth phase, the provincial government has distributed 1,840 tractors among farmers.
The fifth phase will provide another 9,500 tractors, including locally manufactured and imported models.
According to officials, the program has received approximately 305,000 applications.
Of these applications, 188,000 have completed the verification process.
The initiative aims to improve access to agricultural machinery and support farming operations across Punjab.
Paddy Harvesting and Smog Control Measures Reviewed
The meeting also discussed progress on paddy harvesting and measures to prevent crop residue burning.
Officials reviewed initiatives being implemented under Punjab’s provincial smog control program.
Crop residue burning remains an environmental concern because it contributes to air pollution.
The Agriculture Department is working on measures to discourage the practice during harvesting activities.
The review focused on agricultural operations alongside efforts to address environmental challenges.
Punjab Focuses on Agricultural Targets
The latest Wheat cultivation figures indicate increased sowing activity compared with the same period last year.
However, the province still needs to complete the remaining cultivation area to achieve its full target.
Agriculture officials are expected to continue monitoring field activities and supporting farmers during the campaign.
The provincial government is also focusing on agricultural financing, machinery distribution, and access to farming inputs.
In other news read more about Engro Fertilizer Increases Urea Price by Rs50 Per Bag In Pakistan
These measures are intended to support cultivation activities and improve agricultural operations across Punjab.
