LAHORE: The Punjab government wants to learn from the US to improve cotton and soybean farming. Punjab’s Minister for Agriculture & Livestock, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, met with US Consul General Kristin K Hawkins in Lahore to discuss this.
They talked about modern farming tools, better seeds, anti-smog efforts, and fertilizer regulations. Punjab Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo also joined the discussion.
The minister said Punjab wants to use US expertise, especially to grow more cotton and soybeans. He thanked the US for its help through USAID for Punjab’s agriculture projects. Under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Punjab is focusing on making farming better with big projects in progress.
He mentioned the ‘Transforming Punjab Agriculture Programme,’ a big project worth Rs400 billion. It has already given Rs150 billion in interest-free loans this year through the Kisan Card. To fight smog, the government is giving farmers special machines called super seeders with a 60/40 subsidy, and educating them on how to use these machines. Farmers who don’t follow the rules face fines and FIRs. A rental service is coming soon, so farmers can rent modern farming machines at lower costs.
The minister also shared plans to set up Agri Malls in every district of Punjab. These malls will sell seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides at subsidized rates. Farmers will also be able to rent farming tools there. Punjab is giving out 9,500 tractors to farmers with a subsidy of Rs1 million per tractor. They also plan to switch farmers’ electric tube-wells to solar power. All of these plans aim to cut costs and help farmers grow more crops per acre.
In addition, the minister said a modern lab will be set up in Lahore to test fertilizers and pesticides.
Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo stressed that farming is a top priority for Punjab. He said the government is working with industry leaders to update the Pesticides and Fertilizer Acts. These changes will be approved by the Punjab Assembly soon.
The meeting also included Punjab Agriculture Consultant Muhammad Anjum Ali and Director General Agricultural Information Punjab, Naveed Asmat Kahloon.
