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Wheat sowing increases by 0.8%
ISLAMABAD-With completion of wheat sowing process in the
country an increase of 0.8% has been registered as compared to
the corresponding period of the previous year.
According to official sources here on Febraurary 12, 2002 the
wheat area target for the year 2001-02 is fixed at 8410
thousand hectares and production target at 20.0 million tons.
The wheat crop size for the year 2000-01 is estimated at 19.02
million tons which included Punjab 15.42 million tons, Sindh
2.23 million tons, NWFP 0.76 million tons and Balochistan
0.614 million tons.
The overall wheat stock position is estimated at 5.699 million
tons. The Punjab province has 2.621 million tons, Sindh 0.916
tons, NWFP 0.226 million tons, Balochistan 0.309 million tons
and PASSCO 1.627 million tons.
The production of wheat during 1999-00 was 21.1 million tons
from an area of 8.64 million hectares which included Punjab
16.48 million tons, Sindh 3.01 million tons, NWFP 1.07 million
tons and Balochistan 0.53 million tons.
Though dry weather conditions had affected the sowing process
particularly in the Barani area but the target is likely to be
achieved evolving special measures to overcome problems of
water shortage.
The provinces have been asked to prepare a wheat production
plan and strategy to achieve this target. The federal
government has advised the provinces to develop a water use
plan for the coming Rabi crops.
The agricultural credit line has been increased by government
to Rs. 60 billion with major funding placed at the disposal of
farmers friendly institution i.e. Agricultural Development
Bank of Pakistan.
In addition, the Plant Protection Department has been directed
to improve its Pesticide analysis disposal system.
February 16, 2002
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Pakissan.com;
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