FAISALABAD - The country has become self-sufficient in wheat due to farmers-friendly policies of the Punjab government, said the Punjab agriculture minister while addressing a meeting of scientists at Ayub Agricultural Research Institute here on Thursday.
Punjab Agri Minister Malik Ahmad Ali Aulakh observed that the prevalent condition of wheat crop was quite satisfactory and if the weather conditions remained favourable, a bumper crop is expected with the Grace of Allah Almighty. The minister highlighted the role of Ayub Agriculture Research Institute for developing new agriculture technology and stated that the institute should act as role model for the farming community for adopting new farm techniques. He emphasised the importance for adopting non-chemical methods of pest control of cotton. He stated that the agriculture department must launch a hectic campaign immediately and make steps to eradicate weeds like previous year. He said that weed eradication campaign launched during last year contributed significantly in increasing production.
The minister exhorted agriculture scientists to inform cotton growers of non-conventional areas about latest agricultural technology so that cotton production in these areas could also be increased. He appreciated the agriculture research conducted at the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute and stated that there is dire need to disseminate this research to the growers through mass media. The minister stressed the need for providing quality seed of crops and vegetables to the growers for obtaining higher production and said that present government is making concerted efforts to ensure provision of quality seed to the farmers for increasing agricultural production.
On the occasion, Agricultural Research Director General Dr Noorul Islam presented a review regarding yield prospects of different crops. The meeting was also attended by Dr Noorul Islam, Director General Agricultural Research, Dr. Abid Mehmood, Director Cotton Research Institute, Faisalabad. Dr Zafar Iqbal, Director Agriuclture Bio-Technology, Dr Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Director Pulses, Dr Shahid Niaz, Director Vegetables, Dr Abdul Rashid, Director Oilseeds among other directors and scientists from different formations of the institute.