RAWALPINDI: The Punjab government has fixed the target of wheat cultivation on 1,491,000 acres in the year 2024-25 in Rawalpindi division.

Sowing of wheat has been started from October 14. This was stated in a meeting with Commissioner Aamir Khattak in the chair.

Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema, Director Agriculture Shahid Bukhari and other concerned officials attended the meeting in person whereas deputy commissioners and agriculture field officers of Attock, Jhelum, Murree and Chakwal participated through video link.

The commissioner said that our first priority was to provide all possible support and guidance to the farmers so that they can take full advantage of the Kisan Package announced by the chief minister.

He directed that farmers who face problems in selling crops should be provided linkage to the market along with transport for their crops to reach the market. He also directed to increase the number of field assistants and ensure that they register every farmer especially small farmers in their area through geo-tagging.

The commissioner said he will check soil test and water test reports of farmers. The reports should have a detailed note from field assistant for guidance of farmers, incorporating information about soil and water testing etc.

Director Agriculture Shahid Bukhari gave a briefing on the agricultural profile of Rawalpindi division and said that the area had been given a target of 1,491,000 acres for wheat sowing in the year 2024-25 and sowing of wheat had started from October 14.

He said that the approved wheat varieties for Barani areas included Urooj 22, Fatehjang 16, Makraz 19, Ehsan 16, Pakistan 13, Barani 17 and MA 21. He said that more and more farmers were being registered to benefit from Kisan Package under which about 512 tractors will be given in Rawalpindi Division, besides other agricultural benefits.

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2024