FAISALABAD - The mass media can help educate millions of farmers about the modern technology which can be helpful in upgrading the agriculture sector and achieve high production.
This was suggested by Agriculture DG Noorul Islam while chairing a seminar held at Ayub Agricultural Research Institute to celebrate the golden jubilee of fortnightly Zirat Nama published by the Agricultural Information Directorate.
While addressing the gathering, Noorul Islam said that Zirat Nama educated farmers about the modern cropping techniques and motivated them to adopt innovative farming technologies. He briefed that during last four years the production of all major crops in the Punjab had remarkably increased. He added that wheat production of 18.42 million tons was achieved during 2008-2009, 18.24 million tons during 2009-2010 and 19.04 million tons during 2010-2011 which marked an increase of 18.02%, 16.87%, and 18% respectively compared to 2007-2008. The seminar was attended by officers of Agriculture Department and representatives of farmer organizations. The Agriculture DG told that 80 new varieties of crops were approved by the Punjab government, adding, “The Punjab government has entered the certification regime to produce fully traceable agricultural and livestock products to enhance exports.” He disclosed that the Punjab government had allocated Rs2.024 billion to improve supply chain of selected agricultural and livestock products as per international standards. The Agriculture DG announced the names of 12 farmers selected for the ‘honorary’ membership of Zirat Nama for 1 year.