In Punjab, a project aimed at promoting off-season tomato cultivation has led to the planting of tomatoes on 647 hectares, striving towards a goal of 809 hectares. Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, Secretary of Agriculture in Punjab, highlighted the initiative's focus on ensuring the availability of local tomatoes throughout the year. The announcement came during a meeting focused on the progress of off-season vegetable cultivation.
Sahoo emphasized the unprecedented nature of the efforts to boost vegetable production, particularly tomatoes and onions. The agriculture department has devised a detailed plan to expand vegetable cultivation. A pilot phase has seen the establishment of an 809.3713-hectare target for tomato cultivation, with 647 hectares already planted. Support groups for onion and tomato farmers have been established in specific districts, alongside subsidies for seeds and modern farming equipment. Field formations have been tasked with the project's execution.
The meeting also addressed the need for accelerated technical support for vegetable farmers and informed local officials about the off-season cultivation initiative. Attendees included Chaudhry Abdul Hameed, Director General of Agriculture Extension, and Malik Akram, Director General of Agriculture Water Management, among others.
Source: Business Recorder