Media role for farm tech transfer sought
RAWALPINDI – Effective use of print and electronic media for transfer of modern agricultural technology to farmers for achieving breakthrough in crops yield is need of the hour.
This was said by Prof. Dr Muhammad Munir, Vice Chancellor Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, while chairing a seminar/media briefing held in connection with Golden Jubilee Celebration of a fortnightly published by Directorate of Agricultural Information, Punjab. The seminar was attended by officers of Agriculture Department, representatives of farmer organisations and print / electronic media.
M Rafiq Akhtar, Director Agricultural Information Punjab, in his welcome address said that the fortnightly is being regularly published by Directorate of Agricultural Information, Punjab to educate growers about latest cropping techniques and to motivate them for adoption of innovative farm technologies. He said that articles written by agricultural scientists about latest crop production technologies are published in this magazine according to the cropping season and time.
He said that Punjab Government attaches top priority to agriculture to enhance productivity and profitability. For this purpose the present regime has provided considerable financial resources for agricultural research and extension activities along with use of mass media for transfer of agricultural technology to farmers / stakeholders.
He further said that during last four years production of all major crops in Punjab has remarkably increased. He added that wheat production of 18.42, 18.24 and 19.04 million tons during 2008-09, 2009-10 & 2010-11 was achieved which marked an increase of 18.02%, 16.87%, and 18% respectively compared to 2007-08.
Similarly record rice production of 3.643 and 3.713 million tons was achieved during 2008-09 and 2009-10 which marked an increase of 10.86% and 12.99% respectively compared to 2007-08.
Sugarcane production of 37.5 and 42.8 million tons was achieved during 2010-11 and 2011-12 that marked an increase of 19.7% and 36.74% against production of 2009-10.
He further said that 80 new varieties of different crops have been approved during present regime.
He added that Punjab Government has now entered into certification regime to produce fully traceable agricultural and livestock products to reach high end markets of the developed world and to enhance exports for which Rs. 2.024 billion has been allocated to improve supply chain of selected agricultural and livestock products for improving quality and introducing trace ability system as per international standards and requirements.
It was announced that 12 farmers have been selected to award membership of the fortnightly for 1 year on the basis of membership period / computerised draw. At the end Prof Dr Munir and Rafiq Akhtar cut the cake for golden jubilee.
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