Wheat sowing area rises in Punjab

Punjab has covered over half of its wheat sowing target, with planted area 7.7pc higher than at the same point last year, Dawn reported. Officials told Agriculture Minister Ashiq Kirmani that line sowing accounted for 51pc of the cultivated area so far, while certified seed use was 44pc.

Kirmani asked agriculture staff to assist farmers during the campaign and ensure quality seed and fertiliser were available at notified prices. The meeting also considered paddy harvesting, crop-residue burning prevention and smog-control work.

Under the Kissan Card’s fifth phase, Rs100 billion in loans were approved for one million farmers; 818,000 received credit and Rs26bn had been used. The fourth Green Tractor Programme phase distributed 1,840 tractors, while 9,500 tractors are planned for the fifth phase; 305,000 applications were received and 188,000 verified.