A prize distribution ceremony under the Punjab Chief Minister’s “Grow More Wheat Campaign” was held in Vehari to recognize outstanding performers in the Wheat Production Competition 2025-26. Deputy Commissioner Vehari Khalid Javed Goraya and MPA Mian Saqib Khurshid attended as chief guests.
On the occasion, first-position holder Ghulam Yaseen was awarded a cheque worth Rs1 million, while Muhammad Ramzan and Rashid Zaheer, who secured second and third positions respectively, received cheques worth Rs800,000 and Rs500,000. The chief guests congratulated the successful farmers, who thanked Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for encouraging the farming community through such initiatives.
Addressing the ceremony, Deputy Commissioner Khalid Javed Goraya said the Punjab government was taking practical steps for farmers’ welfare and agricultural development. He termed the wheat production competition an important initiative for promoting modern farming techniques and increasing per-acre yield. He added that wheat remained the most essential food crop and urged the Agriculture Department to share the experiences of top-performing farmers with others.
MPA Mian Saqib Khurshid congratulated the position holders and said the Punjab government’s efforts, including the Kissan Card, Green Tractor Scheme and agricultural subsidies, were helping improve farmers’ prosperity. He appreciated the contribution of Vehari’s farmers towards agricultural growth in Punjab.
Deputy Director Agriculture (Extension) Rana Muhammad Arif said the competition was conducted transparently and on merit. He informed participants that Vehari’s average wheat yield remained above 40 maunds per acre, while Ghulam Yaseen achieved 60.74 maunds per acre, Muhammad Ramzan 58.59 maunds and Rashid Zaheer 57.96 maunds per acre.
Director Crop Reporting Services Umar Bashir highlighted the importance of drill sowing, balanced fertilizer use and micronutrients in improving wheat production. A large number of farmers, agriculture officials and other stakeholders attended the ceremony.
