Lahore, May 25, 2025: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced a new agricultural program in Lahore today aimed at producing vegetables and paddy without any chemical residue. The initiative will begin in ten pilot districts Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Kasur, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad and Lahore and is overseen by the Punjab Agriculture Department’s Pest Warning and Integrated Pest Management Division.
Here are the ten pilot districts for the residue-free farming program:
- Lahore
- Sheikhupura
- Nankana Sahib
- Kasur
- Gujranwala
- Sialkot
- Narowal
- Gujrat
- Mandi Bahauddin
- Hafizabad
Demonstration plots will be established in each district to showcase non-chemical methods of pest and disease control, including crop rotation, use of beneficial insects and organic sprays. Farmers will attend hands-on workshops at both tehsil and district levels to learn these practices and share experiences with their peers. According to Maryam Nawaz, this training will help growers achieve higher yields and command premium prices for produce certified as residue-free.
The program is designed to improve soil health and protect biodiversity by reducing dependence on synthetic pesticides. Officials say consumers will benefit from safer, healthier food, and farmers will gain better access to local and international markets for residue-free crops.
An agricultural helpline has been set up for interested farmers and stakeholders. The service can be reached at 0800-75-17000 between 8 AM and 8 PM daily.
