The Punjab government has increased 2006-07 budgetary allocations for agriculture and its allied sectors, and has allocated Rs 1100 million for agriculture, Rs 600 million for livestock, Rs 200 million for forestry, Rs 310 million for management, development and preservation of wildlife and Rs 65 million for fisheries sector in the ADP.
According to the budget documents, the provincial government has planned to revamp and reorganise agricultural research to effectively respond to market requirements; and develop varieties that would not only offer higher yields but should also respond well to local conditions. Major investment in research and technology development, along with capacity building of farmers, is planned to enable the farmers to use modern implements in agriculture.
To overcome the research-related problems, a research project for 'Restructuring Agricultural Research System' has been established. According to the documents, crop productivity would be enhanced through development of high-yielding varieties and hybrid seeds, balanced use of fertilisers and micro-nutrients, integrated pest management, and judicious application of other plant protection measures.
The production of high value crop, fruits, vegetables and flowers would be increased and their export would be promoted by improving their quality. The private sector would be encouraged to establish processing, grading, packaging and cold storage facilities through provision of liberal credit and other facilities to promote export.
To meet WTO challenges the existing soil and water, pesticides and soil chemistry laboratories have to be upgraded to make them eligible for ISO certification.
In order to minimise reliance on imported seed of fodder crops project for increasing production of fodder seed of promising varieties has been launched.
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