The Punjab government will soon launch an ambitious Rs 6 billion plus project to promote mechanization, usage of certified seed and responsible application of pesticides in line with international standards.
Under this project, farmers will be given 50 percent subsidy on purchase of certified rice seed, educated on responsible and controlled use of pesticides etc. Right now the department is in the phase of pre-qualifying seed companies in this regard. It is a complete package being given by the government to enhance the productivity of the rice sector.
The project is also aimed at promoting mechanization through subsidizing use of different machines such as transplanters for increasing plant population and other agricultural implements, said Director Agriculture (Extension) Gujranwala Javed Iqbal while speaking at a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony.
Syngenta Pakistan and Atlas Foods (Pvt) Limited signed the (MoU) to impart training to rice growers regarding the need-based application of pesticides. The training will create awareness among the farmers to avoid excessive usage of pesticide.
Managing Director & CU Head Syngenta Pakistan Kazim Hasnain and CEO Atlas Foods Sami Ullah Naeem inked the document on behalf of their respective organizations.
Dr Javed Iqbal said that the government would bear 50 per cent of the cost on the usage of different types of machinery such as transplanters, nursery raising machines, DSR-drill, rice straw choppers, rotavators and power sprayers. "It is aimed at converting this sector from the present status of tractorization into real mechanization," he added.
Atlas Foods (Pvt) Limited CEO Sami Ullah Naeem said that 55 percent of Pakistan economy relies on agriculture and rice crop is one of the most important crops, which is earning precious foreign exchange for the country. He said monitoring of pesticides residue in rice crop had increased by the European Union (EU), USA and Saudi Arabia for the last three to four years. He said that our products are going to the high-end market and we have to keep the pesticide residue at the required level.