RAWALPINDI: The provincial government has set a target of 3.5 million acres for cotton cultivation throughout Punjab.
As per the details, Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, Secretary of the Punjab Agriculture Department, led a meeting on cotton cultivation at Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture in Multan.
He noted that increasing cotton production is important for boosting exports. Over 2.2 million acres have already been planted, with sowing continuing until May 25. A special incentive package is being offered to develop Bahawalpur division into a ‘Cotton Valley’.
Sahoo mentioned that model farms for cotton are being selected, and canal water supply is being provided to cotton-growing areas. Guidance for early-sown cotton is ongoing, with tasks assigned to support farmers.
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The meeting included officials like Special Secretary Agriculture South Punjab Sarfraz Hussain Magsi, Chairman National Seed Authority Dr Asif Ali, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Ishtiaq Ahmed Rajwana, and others. Divisional directors joined online.
In other news, the Punjab government plans to study the feasibility of building two underpasses at Chandani Chowk on Murree Road and Marrir Road, and a flyover on IJ Principal Road in the next fiscal year, following suggestions from local lawmakers.
A Housing and Urban Development Department official said lawmakers Hanif Abbasi (NA-56) and Danyal Chaudhry (NA-57) proposed these projects.
The Rawalpindi Development Authority included the plan in the 2025–26 annual development program, with Rs40 million recommended for each project.
The feasibility study will be conducted first, and the projects will proceed after completing work on The Mall and Adiala Road. The government also plans to build an underpass or flyover at Kutcheri Chowk in the next fiscal year.
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