Balochistan achieves 97pc cotton
sowing
ISLAMABAD: The Cotton sowing gained momentum for the first
time in Balochistan as it was sown over an area of 40,162
hectares thus achieving 97 per cent of the sowing target
during 2001-2002.
Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture Khair Muhammad
Junejo told APP here on Friday that federal and provincial
governments had undertaken efforts to sow cotton in paddy
growing areas of Pat Feeder (Dera Murad Jamali).
He said some incentives including distribution of 50 per cent
free of cost seed amongst the growers and technical assistance
was provided in the area to educate the farmers to grow cotton
because it consume lesser irrigation water as compare to the
rice.
Chief Executive during his visit to Pat Fedder had also
announced cotton growing package which ensured provision of
free of cost cotton seed, agriculture credit facilities and
technical know how for cotton growers.
Cotton Commissioner Dr Qadir Bux Baloch, further added that he
had recently undertaken a visit of Agriculture Development
Institute, Dera Allahyar at Nasirabad Division in Balochistan.
The growers appreciated the efforts made by the federal
government for cotton cultivation.
The farmers acknowledged the efforts of the government with
regard to facilitate of seed and cotton production technology
due to which a sizeable area could be converted from rice to
cotton cultivation, he added.
However, he said, the farmers expressed concern over the
attitude of irrigation department in the province because
management of water distribution was very poor. They were also
not happy over the role of ADBP with regard to provision of
loans. Dr Baloch said two ginning factories which are planning
to start work in the current cotton season have complained
against WAPDA and PTCL.
15 September,2001
Courtesy Daily The News
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