Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo said on Saturday that all possible resources and means were being utilised to achieve the cotton production target.
He was chairing a meeting here to review measures for achieving the cotton production target and the current status of crops. The meeting was attended by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Asif Ali, Special Secretary Agriculture (South Punjab) Sarfraz Hussain Magsi, Director Generals of the Agriculture Department Abdul Hameed, Naveed Asmat Kahloon, Dr Aamir Rasool, Dr Sajid-ur-Rehman, Consultant Agriculture Department Muhammad Anjum Ali, and relevant officers of the Agriculture and Irrigation Departments.
Iftikhar Ali Sahoo directed that farmers be provided technical guidance on managing cotton and other crops during the ongoing severe heatwave. He also directed that timely, need-based canal water supplies be ensured for the cotton crop.
The secretary directed the concerned officials to take strict action against those involved in the illegal trade of counterfeit agricultural pesticides. He further directed that Kissan Facilitation Centres and Cotton Technical Groups be made operational at the earliest. He emphasised that professional expertise be fully utilised to ensure successful implementation of the Apna Khait Apna Rozgar Programme, and issued directions to all field formations to remain fully prepared to protect farmers from any flood-related damage.
Later, Iftikhar Ali Sahoo visited the Model Agriculture Mall, Multan, and directed officers concerned to further improve its operational activities.