LAHORE: The utilization of modern agricultural machinery stands as an imperative for augmenting agricultural productivity. Without embracing modern equipment, the goal of enhancing per-acre crop yield remains unattainable.

Punjab Agriculture Minister, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, said this during a meeting with modern machinery distributors at Agriculture House, Lahore, on Wednesday.

Minister for Agriculture, Punjab, Syed Ashiq Hussain Karmani, underscored the current government’s robust initiatives towards agricultural advancement, allocating 400 billion rupees under the “Transforming Punjab Agriculture” programme. Farmers will benefit from interest-free bank loans and their tube-wells will transition to solar power. The government champions corporate farming, necessitating the adoption of contemporary agricultural machinery and equipment.

Under this programme, the current government is distributing 2,000 rice straw shredders and 5,000 super seeders to farmers, alongside providing 25,000 modern agricultural machinery units at subsidized rates.

The Minister for Agriculture attentively addressed the concerns of dealers, assuring prompt resolution within legal parameters. He emphasized the importation of modern agricultural machinery by dealers and distributors to facilitate timely delivery to farmers through service providers.

Kirmani highlighted the successful introduction of Kabota harvesters for rice cultivation, swiftly embraced by farmers due to their efficacy. Consequently, Kabota now dominates rice harvesting operations.

Secretary Agriculture, Punjab, Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, affirmed a phased approach to promoting modern agricultural machinery, including comprehensive sessions for service providers and dealers. Additionally, demonstrations will be conducted to encourage farmers’ adoption of advanced agricultural machinery.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024