Punjab government has initiated a National Programme costing Rs 9 billion to enhance the rice production across the province. Sources in Agriculture department told Business Recorder on Tuesday that farmers' awareness is prime mover of the project. Under the plan strenuous efforts would be made for creating awareness among the paddy growers about the balance use of pesticides, fertilizer and use of recommended paddy seed for obtaining maximum output. The sole aim of the plan was to sustain rice export, enhancing per acre yield by adopting modern agri-techniques in the Punjab.

The first phase of farmers training had been completed and next will soon be carried out. However, till initiation of next phase an awareness village level crash programme is being launched for reaching every village with focused approach to promote correct time of transplanting for different varieties, recommend plant population, balanced use fertilizer at proper time and weed control etc across the province.

In order to create the awareness among the farming community a comprehensive campaign was being launched for the promotion of modern production practices for productivity enhancement and safe use pesticides, fungicides and weedicides. In Sialkot district, Agriculture department is finalizing necessary arrangements for strengthening awareness programme in every village sources said. The Agriculture department is motivating the paddy growers to ensure their participation in training programme.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019