RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: The Punjab government has set a target of cultivation of wheat on 16.4 million acre land in the province with an aim to achieve 20 million tons yield this year.

This was stated by the Punjab Agriculture Minister Naeem Akhtar Bhabha while chairing high level meeting of Agriculture Department here, Thursday. He disclosed that agriculture department has planned to launch a scheme in 12 districts of the province where cultivators would be provided gypsum on half rate to curb problem of water logging and salinity. He also expressed satisfaction over splendid outcome of Kissan Package and said that for the first time local farmer has developed strong sense of security as Punjab government is paying coordinated attention on strengthening of agri-economy. The Provincial Minister said that government is giving 80 per cent subsidy to the farmers to install solar tube wells, who use drip and sprinkles irrigation facility. Last year 130 solar tube wells were installed on 1500 acre arable land whereas same solar system would be installed on further 10 thousand acre area.