Efforts Underway to Enhance Rice Yield and Quality, Asserts Secretary
Published on: July 3, 2024.
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Punjab Aims to Boost Rice Production and Export
In an effort to increase rice production and export from Pakistan, Punjab has set a target of cultivating five million acres of paddy. Punjab Secretary Agriculture, Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, emphasized the importance of good yield and better prices for farmers, stating that the prosperity of farmers relies on a bumper crop. To achieve this goal, all stakeholders, including the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), must collaborate to ensure the production of high-quality rice.
During a meeting of the Provincial Rice Monitoring Committee, Sahoo stressed the need to produce rice according to the demands of European, American, and other international markets. He also highlighted the importance of using safe and recommended agricultural pesticides, while forbidding the use of poisons with post-harvest effects on rice crops. The Agriculture Department, REAP, and the Pesticide Industry were urged to play an active role in guiding farmers on responsible pesticide use.
Sahoo further instructed officers to follow Maximum Residual Levels (MRL) to increase rice exports and maintain quality. Precautions should be taken during rice storage to preserve its quality. The field formations have been assigned the task of providing technical guidance on the balanced and proportionate use of irrigation and other agricultural inputs in paddy cultivation.
The meeting, which was attended by prominent figures in the agriculture industry, including the Special Secretary Agriculture, Director Generals, and representatives from the pesticide industry, highlighted the significance of collaboration and responsible practices to achieve the desired outcomes.
By setting high standards and prioritizing the needs of international markets, Punjab aims to eliminate the possibility of rejection and ensure that Pakistan’s rice exports meet the required quality standards. This initiative not only benefits the farmers but also contributes to the economic growth of the country.
For more information about rice exporters, visit [here](https://www.hasrice.com) and [here](https://www.pakistanrice.com).
Source: [The News](https://www.thenews.com.pk)
