Punjab orders enhanced crop support to boost cotton output

The Punjab government has directed agriculture authorities to intensify field operations aimed at improving cotton production, with a renewed focus on irrigation management, farmer outreach and enforcement against counterfeit agricultural inputs.

The instructions were issued by Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo while reviewing the province's cotton crop situation and production targets during a meeting in Multan. The session also examined the status of other major crops and broader agricultural matters.

Sahoo said the department was mobilising all available resources to help achieve the province's cotton production target. In view of the ongoing severe heatwave, he instructed officials to step up technical advisory services so farmers receive timely guidance on managing cotton and other crops under extreme weather conditions.

He also called for uninterrupted, need-based canal water supplies to cotton-growing areas, directing the relevant authorities to ensure irrigation is delivered on time to support crop development.

Separately, the secretary ordered strict and indiscriminate action against those engaged in the illegal trade of counterfeit agricultural pesticides, stressing the importance of protecting growers from substandard farm inputs.

The meeting brought together Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Asif Ali, Special Secretary Agriculture (South Punjab) Sarfraz Hussain Magsi, Director Generals Abdul Hameed, Naveed Asmat Kahloon, Dr Aamir Rasool and Dr Sajid-ur-Rehman, Consultant Muhammad Anjum Ali, along with officials from the Agriculture and Irrigation Departments to review progress and coordinate implementation of the province's agricultural priorities.