Minister hopes for achieving cotton production target

By LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Agriculture Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani on Friday hoped that keeping in view the current cotton crop situation; the production target will be achieved. He was speaking at a review meeting on cotton, wheat and smog control during his visit to Multan. MPA Muhammad Salman Naeem, Secretary Agriculture Punjab Shakeel Ahmad Mian, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Asif Ali, Special Secretary Agriculture South Punjab Sarfraz Hussain Magsi, Directors General of Agriculture Department Punjab Naveed Asmat Kahlon, Dr Aamir Rasool and Dr Sajid-ur-Rehman along with farmers attended the meeting. The participants were given a detailed briefing on the current cotton situation, the strategy for the upcoming wheat crop and the ongoing smog control campaign. The meeting was informed that prevailing cotton prices were encouraging. Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani said that, in view of the current cotton situation, the production target would be achieved. He said a comprehensive strategy would be formulated for wheat cultivation and all possible resources and means would be utilized to ensure profitable cultivation and better wheat production. The provincial minister said alternative facilities were being provided to farmers for the proper disposal of rice crop residues. He said 10,000 Super Seeders had already been provided to farmers at subsidised rates, while 450 modern harvesters and 150 balers had also been provided. On the occasion, Secretary Agriculture Punjab Shakeel Ahmad Mian said the smog control campaign launched by the Agriculture Department Punjab was being closely monitored. He added that focal persons had been appointed at the provincial and district levels to ensure effective monitoring and implementation of the campaign. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026