Modern Machinery Boosts Crop Yields, Says Punjab Agriculture Minister
Published on: May 9, 2024.
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In a recent meeting held at the Agriculture House in Lahore, the Punjab Agriculture Minister highlighted the importance of modern agricultural machinery in boosting agricultural productivity. He emphasized that without embracing advanced equipment, the goal of increasing crop yield per acre would remain elusive.
Under the “Transforming Punjab Agriculture” program, the government has allocated a substantial budget of 400 billion rupees. This initiative aims to provide farmers with interest-free bank loans and transition their tube-wells to solar power. The government also advocates for corporate farming, which requires the adoption of contemporary agricultural machinery.
As part of this program, the government is distributing 2,000 rice straw shredders and 5,000 super seeders to farmers. Additionally, 25,000 modern agricultural machinery units will be made available at subsidized rates, benefiting farmers across the region.
During the meeting, the Minister addressed concerns raised by dealers and assured that they would be resolved swiftly within legal frameworks. He emphasized the importance of importing modern agricultural machinery to ensure timely delivery to farmers through service providers.
The Punjab Agriculture Minister also highlighted the successful introduction of Kabota harvesters for rice cultivation, which have been widely embraced by farmers due to their efficiency. As a result, Kabota now dominates rice harvesting operations in the region.
Supporting the Minister’s statements, Secretary Agriculture, Punjab, Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, outlined a phased approach to promoting modern agricultural machinery. This approach includes comprehensive training sessions for service providers and dealers to enhance their understanding and expertise. Additionally, demonstrations will be conducted to showcase the benefits and capabilities of advanced agricultural machinery, encouraging farmers to adopt these technologies.
The emphasis on modern agricultural machinery comes at a crucial time for Punjab’s agricultural sector, which faces challenges such as resource constraints and changing climatic conditions. By embracing technological advancements, farmers can mitigate these challenges and improve their efficiency and productivity.
The government’s proactive measures, including financial incentives and subsidized machinery distribution, demonstrate its commitment to supporting farmers and revitalizing the agricultural sector. With concerted efforts from all stakeholders, Punjab aims to usher in a new era of agricultural prosperity driven by modernization and innovation.
Source: https://technologytimes.pk
