Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo chaired a meeting on Saturday to review measures for achieving the cotton production target and the current status of crops. He stated that all possible resources and means are being utilized to meet the target.
Meeting Attendees and Directions
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.
Heatwave Management and Canal Water Supply
Iftikhar Ali Sahoo directed that farmers be provided technical guidance on managing cotton and other crops during the ongoing severe heatwave. He also ordered timely, need-based canal water supplies for the cotton crop.
Action Against Counterfeit Pesticides
The secretary directed concerned officials to take strict action against those involved in the illegal trade of counterfeit agricultural pesticides.
Operationalization of Kissan Facilitation Centres and Cotton Technical Groups
He further directed that Kissan Facilitation Centres and Cotton Technical Groups be made operational at the earliest.
Apna Khait Apna Rozgar Programme and Flood Preparedness
He emphasized that professional expertise be fully utilized 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.
Visit to Model Agriculture Mall
Later, Iftikhar Ali Sahoo visited the Model Agriculture Mall, Multan, and directed officers concerned to further improve its operational activities.
