The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) will issue computerised vouchers to over 180,000 flood-hit farmers of seven affected districts in South Punjab for free seed and fertiliser in a transparent manner.
Ishaq Lashari, assistant director media liaison unit of Punjab agriculture department, told APP on Monday that a survey conducted by revenue department, agriculture (extension) and growers' representatives had identified over 180,000 farmers in DG Khan, Muzaffargarh, Layyah, Rajanpur, Rahimyar Khan, Bakhar, and Mianwali whose agriculture land was hit by Indus floods.
The lists have been published in Qanoongo and DDOR offices in respective areas and after a process of verification and hearing of objections, final lists will be made public on October 22. Then the lists will be sent to PITB to print computerised vouchers to avoid duplication, Lashari said adding that growers would get vouchers on October 28 and distribution of free seed and fertiliser on the basis of the vouchers would begin on October 30 at their nearest food department centres.
The federal and Punjab governments are contributing 50 percent resources each to provide relief to flood-hit farmers. Farmers having landholding up to or below 25 acre are entitled to get one bag urea and 50 kilogram wheat seed per acre. However, they will get free agriculture inputs for 12.5 acre maximum even if they own land above this level. Those owning land less than 12.5 acre will get seed and fertiliser in accordance with their landholding, the official said.