PUNJAB all set for bumper wheat crop: Dr. Sandhu

Chandigarh, March 11, 2013: The Punjab is all set for a bumper and record wheat crop this season due to favourable rains and weather conditions.

In a review meeting of all Chief Agriculture Officers presided over by Dr. Mangal Singh Sandhu, Director Agriculture, said that Punjab will witness a record yield and bumper wheat crop this season and assured that the Punjab has been able to control the affect of yellow rust. He directed CAOs present in the meeting that the constant and concerted efforts should continue for bumper crop. He said that it has also been directed to all the field officers to ensure the mix spray of 200 Milliliter propiconazole in 200 liter water.

In view of diversification of crops in Kharif season, Dr. Sandhu asked the CAOs to encourage farmers for expanding area under maize, cotton and sugarcane besides Guar. He also informed the meeting that as per the demand of seeds for these crops in various areas, a demand chart can be submitted with the Directorate Office, so best quality seeds could be provided to farmers. He also directed the officers to prepare crop diversification chart according to the directions of state government.

Reviewing the arrangements of availability of seeds, manures and storage of crops in the districts, Dr. Sandhu also asked the CAOs to properly monitor all arrangements. The Director also sought the status of ongoing agriculture related schemes in the state including ATMA, National Food Security Mission, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and Macro Management Work Plan besides reviewing Farmers Training Camp, Seed-Manure and Medicine Quality Control, Agri-Inputs and Soil Testing Laboratories.      

The Director informed the meeting that it was a mission of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to bring crop diversification in the state and to achieve this target the Punjab has sent a proposal of Rs. 5,000 crore to the Union Government to implement diversification in true spirit.