Punjab Chief Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday chaired a high-level meeting to review progress made on sowing of cotton crop in the province, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. 

The chief minister directed the concerned departments to ensure that sowing, as well as production targets, were met. 

He also announced that growers achieving maximum production would be given cash prizes. 

Similarly, he added, officials of concerned departments would also be commended for their efforts.

CM Naqvi said that not only there was a need to make efforts to achieve maximum cotton production but to also look after the crop. 

He also ordered that steps should be taken to stop incidents of water theft in Punjab so that water could be available for the cotton crop. 

The meeting concurred that cotton growers would be supplied water, seed, and fertilizer so that they could achieve the production target. 

It was decided to expedite action against the sellers of spurious pesticides and seeds. 

The suggestion was given at the meeting to survey the crop through satellite.  

The chief minister informed the participants that the minimum support price of cotton had been fixed at Rs8,500. 

He was of the view that the crop could prove to be a ‘game changer’ for the province’s economy. 

Renowned industrialist Gohar Ejaz, Fawad Mukhtar, chief secretary, and secretaries of agriculture, finance, and irrigation attended the meeting.  

Reporter: Ali Ramay