Agri Land Degradation To Be Protected Under Master Plan: Minister

Punjab government has introduced an agricultural package worth over Rs 174 billion to protect agri land from degradation, said Provincial Minister for Agriculture, Syed Muhammad Ashiq Hussain Kirmani

MULTAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Jul, 2024) Punjab government has introduced an agricultural package worth over Rs 174 billion to protect agri land from degradation, said Provincial Minister for Agriculture, Syed Muhammad Ashiq Hussain Kirmani.

Addressing a seminar titled "Eco-Smart Mango Production: Challenges and Opportunities" at Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture here on Saturday, he informed that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had introduced the package the first time in Punjab's history under which a master plan for various cities has been prepared to protect agriculture land from degradation. This plan will separate green and brown areas.

Additionally, the Mango Research Institute will be upgraded to a Center of Excellence.

The minister urged growers and researchers to develop a comprehensive programme to address mango issues and announced that solar plates would be provided to growers to facilitate their work.

He affirmed the commitment to bringing innovation to agriculture under the guidance of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Secretary Agriculture Punjab, Iftikhar Ali Saho, appreciated tl MNSUA VC, Dr Ishtiaq Ahmad Ranjwana and mentioned that the Punjab government was actively extending providing excellent facilities for growers.

He mentioned that a separate session will be organized with the Mango growers and that over 1,000 agriculture graduates will soon join the system, which will improve agriculture, especially the mango production.

Dr Ishtiaq Ahmad Ranjwana thanked the Minister for gracing the mango festival and provided a briefing on the research on mango production and protection. He stated that the university was working with mango growers and the Mango Research Institute to address mango issues.

The university organizes the mango festival annually to provide a platform for mango growers and exporters and to encourage the growers, he explained.

On the last day of the festival, a large number of families poured in and showed great interest in "King of Fruits" varieties.