MULTAN - Secretary Agriculture Punjab Wasif Khursheed said on Sunday that all possible resources were being utilized for making Punjab locust free.

A best strategy in collaboration with federal and provincial government had been evolved. The operation for elimination of locust was successfully heading forward. The farmers could concentrate on their crops without any sort of fear.

About Budget 2020-21, he informed that different projects for promotion of agriculture sector and raising living standard of the farmers were introduced.

The projects would surely help reducing input cost and enhancing quality production. Punjab would emerge as hub of mechanized farming.

Punjab was not only food basket for the country but it was also contributing agricultural exports. About rice crop, Wasif stated that Rs 6.32 billion were earmarked for subsidy.

The demand of organic food items was increasing across the globe. Similarly, our farmers would avail maximum benefit from China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

About use of fake pesticides and fertilizers, he stated that nobody would be allowed to sell substandard inputs. He directed officials to pursue cases, pending with courts in order to ensure timely punishment to sellers of fake pesticides or fertilizers.

He also instructed field officials to pay visits to farms and impart awareness to growers. The growers especially mango growers would be given maximum knowledge about mango grading, packing, marketing and exports, he concluded.