Punjab government has evolved a strategy for introducing modern techniques for tracking agriculture sector on modern lines to make it profitable. Under the directives of Punjab Chief Minister, the Agriculture Department has formulated a well-knitted three-year plan costing Rs 4.76 billion for introducing new techniques in agri sector to enhance per acre yield and to improve the economic conditions of farmer community in Punjab.

Sources in agriculture department told Business Recorder that under the programme special attention will be focused on introducing ultra modern technology of Solar Drip Sprinkler Irrigation system in the Punjab. The hallmark of the programme was to install Drip Sprinkler system on 20,000 acres land for better and effective utilization of available irrigation water to enhance agriculture productivity in the Province.

In addition to this, special step will also be taken with installation of Tunnel Farming Technology on 3000 acres of land for growing vegetables in the Punjab. The tunnel farming will help to promote the growing off-season vegetables around the year which will be supportive in improving the economic conditions of the growers of the Province.

The programme will pave the way for introducing modern and profitable farming, enhancing productivity, lessening the productivity expenditures, better utilization of fertilizers and pesticides and save the water.

The government will provide 80 percent subsidy on installation of Solar system while growers will contribute 20 percent for the installation of the system while government will also provide 50 percent subsidy on the installation of Tunnel Farming Technology in the Province, sources added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2017