Record production of all major crops has been achieved in Punjab due to implementation of farmer-friendly policies by Punjab Government despite unfavourable conditions. Development of agriculture sector, rural areas and well being of farming community is the top priority of Punjab government. This was stated by Minister for Agriculture Punjab Malik Ahmad Ali during a meeting with farmer delegation.
While briefing about progress and farmer-friendly initiatives of provincial government, he said that in spite of price hike in agricultural inputs, imposition of RGST on agricultural implements, worse energy prices/load shedding and sky rocketing prices of petrol and diesel, production of wheat had increased up to 19 million tons, cotton 12.1 million bales, rice 3.7 million tons, sugarcane 42.8 million tons, maize 2.96 million tons whereas production of potato had increased up to 3.34 million tons due to farmer friendly initiatives and good crop management by the Punjab Government.
He further said that wheat production had marked an increase of 21 percent, cotton 19 percent, rice 13 percent, sugarcane six percent, maize eight percent whereas potato 50 percent against production of these crops during 2007-08. The minister said that some persons belonging to 'pocket organisations' were accustomed to criticise the progress and initiatives of Punjab government due to their vested interests. He said Punjab Government was determined to transform agriculture from subsistence to science based and commercially oriented systems and was focusing on productivity enhancement, input used efficiency and market connectivity.