There is a huge gap between ordinary and progressive farmers in terms of per acre yield and usual agricultural practices as the latter is getting 70 to 80 mounds wheat per acre compared to the average yield of 28 mounds.
This was stated by University of Agriculture Faisalabad(UAF) Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan while addressing wheat harvesting ceremony held at Paroka farm of the varsity another day. He was accompanied by Director Farm Dr Farooq Ahmad, Dean Faculty of Agriculture Dr Riaz Ahmad, Director Endowment Fund Secretariat Prof Dr Zahir Ahmad Zahir, Director Academics Dr Ghulam Murtaza, Director External Linkages Dr Rashid Ahmad, and Amir Saeed Rana.
The Vice Chancellor said that the population of the country was increasing with a large pace and in the coming decades, it would be doubled. We have to increase our productivity from an acre, he said, adding that the government had launched a campaign under which free tractors were being distributed among high yield producers in every district as a step towards increasing productivity and to ensure the food security. The winner of the contest was producing the yield not less than 70 to 80 mounds per acre. It means we have the technology and other means but the traditional way of farmers was the hurdle to get the target of high yield. He stressed upon the need of creating awareness and farmers co-operatives mechanism for the cause. He said that the UAF is developing a model turning the less productive land to a productive one at Paroka Farm which remained a sand dunes a couple of years ago. During the visit, the Vice Chancellor also planted a tree to encourage the tree plantation at the farm.
Director Farm Farooq Ahmad Khan said that latest technologies would not only increase the productivity but also help ensure food security. He said that the UAF was making all-out efforts to exhibit the modern tends before the farming community in order to get them inspirations. He also took part in wheat harvesting at the farm.