SIALKOT, Sept 18: The district government has introduced the hi-tech laser land-levelling technology for growers without realizing that there is only one trained person to operate it in the entire district.

The local administration had handed over nine machines to the growers in the three tehsils - Sialkot, Daska and Pasrur - few days ago to enable farmers get enhanced yield.

Sources told this correspondent on Saturday that at least one operator was required to handle each laser land-levelling machine, but there was only one trained for nine such machines the three tehsils. "It is a very tough job for him to meet the requirement," they added.

When contacted, Sialkot DCO Syed Tahir Raza Naqvi said the agriculture department would soon make arrangements for handling these machines to help farmers yield the desired results.

District Nazim Mian Naeem Javed had distributed the nine hi-tech land levelling machines along with tractors and scrapers among the growers during a special ceremony here.

He had claimed that the machines worth Rs12 million would be helpful for growers in enhancing their per-acre yield from 45 maunds to 55 maunds.

Meanwhile, the farmers and growers have urged the district government to provide more operators for these machines so that these could be used at the earliest.

Allocated: The district government has allocated Rs80 million for the development of agriculture sector.

This was stated by Sialkot DCO Syed Tahir Raza Naqvi while talking to newsmen here on Saturday.

Under the project, 'green houses' would be built in Sialkot, Daska and Pasrur tehsils of the district in collaboration with the farming community, he added.

Mr Naqvi said farmers would be motivated to use the modern technology to enhance per acre yield.

He said the district government would also purchase three hi-tech seed grading plants to provide the best quality seed to the farmers.

LIVESTOCK: He said two veterinary hospitals and seven dispensaries would be set up in the district's far off areas under the livestock development programme.

A dispensary has already been set up in Partaanwali village where qualified doctors would be posted.

Mr Naqvi said Rs60 million have been allocated for the livestock sector development programme.

QAZI HUSAIN AHMAD: Jamaat-i-Islami amir Qazi Husain Ahmad will address a meeting of party workers at Anwaar Club here on Sunday.

He will address a press conference at a local hotel in the afternoon.

KHALID MAQBOOL: Governor Khalid Maqbool will inaugurate gas supply to Koobey Chak, a newly set up digital telephone exchange in Saidpur village, Bajwat, and a link road on Monday.

He will meet a number of delegations at the Civil Rest House in the cantonment area in the afternoon.

He will also visit Daska city and inspect different federal departments, including Nadra Swift Centre, Zarai Tarqqiati Bank, SNGPL, telephone, income tax and Wapda.