LAHORE: Wheat harvesting is progressing across Punjab and has been completed on approximately 40 percent of the cultivated area.
The registration process of farmers for wheat procurement is under way.According to initial estimates, the province is expected to meet its wheat production target for the current season without difficulty.
These details were shared during a review meeting on wheat harvesting here at Agriculture House on Friday.
The meeting was chaired by Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo. Additional Secretary Agriculture (Task Force) Punjab M Shabbir Ahmad attended the meeting, along with Agriculture DGs Chaudhry Abdul Hameed, Naveed Asmat Kahloon and Dr Abdul Qayyum. Officers from field formations participated through a video link.
Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo said the wheat harvesting process is continuing across the province under the prevailing conditions. He directed all field formations to provide timely technical guidance to farmers regarding harvesting operations. He added that weather and field conditions are being monitored to ensure smooth completion of the harvest.
Regarding procurement, Iftikhar Ali Sahoo stated that preparations were finalised to support growers during the procurement phase. On the CM’s directions, wheat will be procured from small farmers on a priority basis. He emphasised that the registration process of farmers for wheat procurement is under way and field staff have been instructed to assist farmers with registration.
The secretary said that ensuring timely procurement and achieving the production target are govt’s key priorities. He noted that the Agriculture Department is working to protect farmers’ interests by providing technical support during harvest and fair access during procurement. District administrations and field formations will coordinate to address any issues faced by farmers during registration and procurement.
He stated that the department will continue regular monitoring until the harvesting and procurement process is completed across the province. All necessary arrangements are being made in this connection.
