By Our Correspondent
LAHORE – Punjab Agriculture Minister Ashiq Hussain Kirmani has said the government fully values the private sector’s efforts to boost cotton production in Pakistan and will extend all possible support to this vital crop.
Read also: Punjab unveils massive agriculture reforms, allocates billions for farmers
Speaking during his visit to agricultural expert Engineer Javed Saleem Qureshi’s farm in Lahore, the minister, along with Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Sahoo, inspected cotton seed varieties with seven different traits, including the ability to withstand temperatures up to 50°C. He termed the new seed a “game changer” for Pakistan’s agriculture and assured that the Agriculture Department will provide all necessary facilities.
Engineer Javed Saleem Qureshi said the cotton seed variety is the result of 20 years of research. He urged the government to speed up and simplify the seed approval process so that the variety can reach the market without delay.
Minister Kirmani added that the government is introducing a crop zoning law, enforcing zero tolerance on fake seeds and substandard pesticides, and will soon announce a major package worth billions for wheat procurement this year.
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