In order to ensure the delivery of quality agri-inputs in the state as desired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Government is all set to establish three bio-fertilizer testing laboratories in three districts including Gurdaspur, SAS Nagar (Mohali) and Bathinda, said Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian here on Wednesday.
Mr. Khudian along with Special Chief Secretary Development Mr. KAP Sinha, was chairing a meeting to review the functioning of the Chief Agriculture Officers and other officials to further improve the efficiency of the department.
He asked the Director Agriculture to ensure submission of weekly progress report of field officers and initiate an action against the underperforming district officials, who have failed to accomplish given targets of sampling & testing of seeds, fertilizers and insecticides.
Director Agriculture Jaswant Singh apprised Mr. Khudian that five teams of flying squad, set up on December 13, 2023 to ensure supply of quality seeds, fertilizers and pesticides for Rabi season, took 134 samples while checking 110 retail/wholesale shops. These teams have stopped sales of 28 dealers and have also lodged an FIR at Nangal.
The Cabinet Minister was informed that wheat crop has been sown over 35 lakh hectares and minor attack of Pink Stem Borer is under-control. Agriculture Department has formed pest surveillance teams to monitor the attack of any pest on the wheat crop.While reviewing the status of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme, Mr. Khudian exhorted state farmers to complete their e-kyc to take optimum benefits of the scheme.
Reiterating the commitment of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann for the welfare of the state farmers, the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister asked the Chief Agriculture Officers to implement the government’s welfare programs for farmers, besides, ensuring technical guidance and assistance to farmers for cultivation of crops.
Secretary Punjab Mandi Board Ms. Amrit Kaur Gill and other senior officials of the department were also present in the meeting.