'Wheat output can be raised with proper use of fertiliser'

Wheat production could be increased up to 35 percent with the balanced used of fertiliser. This was stated by Dr Muhammad Rashid, Director General Agriculture (Research) while addressing a seminar organised by Soil Fertility Survey and Soil Testing Institute at Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad.
Dr Rashid emphasised the need for using fertiliser as per requirement after chemical analysis of soil in the laboratory. It is imperative to increase agriculture profitability with the judicious use of fertilizer in view of high fertilizer prices, Dr Rashid added. He said that Punjab government has established soil-testing laboratories in every district of Punjab province and the farmers should avail this facility on nominal rates. Dr Rashid further informed that unbalanced use of fertilizer without proper recommendations increases production cost and negatively deteriorates cost benefit ratio to the disadvantage of the farmers.
Dr Shahid Mahmood Director Soil Fertility Research Institute, Punjab, Lahore informed about the activities and achievements of the institute. He said that 80 percent of soil in Punjab is deficient in organic matter and fertilizer use efficiency is very low. He stressed the importance of promoting use of potash and other micronutrients for increasing agricultural productivity. Scientists presented research papers on various aspects of soil fertility and also informed about the research findings regarding increase of productivity and fertility of soils.