HYDERABAD, April 4: Sindh agriculture extension director-general Naeem Ahmad Korejo has asked officers of the district agriculture extension wing to ensure transparency in awarding prizes to wheat growers. He warned that in case of any irregularity or favouritism, the officer concerned would be held responsible and he would face action under service rules.

He was presiding over a meeting here on Monday to review the progress regarding the wheat prize scheme.

Mohammad Murad Dharejo, director of the farms and major crops development, Sindh, told the meeting that 1,350 wheat growers from 23 district of the province had applied for the prize scheme as announced by the federal government under the “grow more wheat campaign 2005-2006.” The prizes include tractors, threshers, seed drills and certificates.

He said this year three categories – growers holding one to 12 acres of land, 12 to 25 acres of land and above 25 acres of land – had been allowed to participate in the scheme.

The director-general directed district officers to ensure presence of deputy district officers, agriculture officers and field assistants at their place of posting and maintain their diaries otherwise their salaries would be withheld till they improved their efficiency.

The districts officers were also directed to regularly recover instalments from staff who had been given motorcycles by the department and verify whether they were using the motorcycles or had sold them out. He said names of people who were misusing the facility should be reported for taking necessary action against them.

HOSPITAL: Sindh health services director-general Dr Hadi Bux Jatoi has said that keeping in view the population of Qasimabad, 100 beds will soon be added to the 150-bed Qasimabad Taluka Hospital.