RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: The Punjab Agriculture Department (PAD) on a tipoff raided a field in Sahiwal District and removed the cotton crop sown over 30 acres of land despite a ban on early sowing under ‘off-season management formula’ which is aimed at preventing any epidemic attack of pests in the longer run.

A spokesman of the department said that the government had already banned the sowing of cotton crop before April 15 under section 144 in the province. Teams of agriculture department have been actively engaged in elimination of early sowing of cotton to prevent epidemic attack of pests/insects on upcoming cotton crop. He further said that the department received information that cotton crop was sown over an area of 30 acres tunnel along with fruits. After getting the tip, a departmental team reached the spot and removed the cotton crop.

“Cotton growers are not allowed to sow cotton before 15th of April under the offseason management formula being implemented by the department,” the spokesman warned.