While laying focus on issues relating to farmers, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, in order to avoid wastage of irrigation water, has approved a programme for cementing the water channels across Punjab, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

In the first phase, 1,200 water channels will be concreted at a cost of Rs10 billion while in the second phase, 7,000 channels will be solidified to save irrigation water in the province.

Moreover, Punjab government has decided to distribute at least 56 agricultural machines among the farmers on subsidy.

Moreover, 1000 lazer levelers will be given to the farmers during the next 6 months.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz gave the approval of these decisions during a high level meeting on agriculture reform plan. Secretary Agriculture brief the CM about the projects.

Punjab government also plans to increase seed production from 4 lakh tonnes to 6 lakh tonnes. While there is the proposal of cultivation of soybean seed on 100,000 acres area with the support of University of Agriculture Faisalabad. Maryam Nawaz said the federal government will be approached to abolish taxes and duties on high-tech agricultural machinery. The meeting was told that there was 30 to 37 percent tax and duty on high-tech agricultural machinery.

Senior Provincial Minister Mariyum Aurangzeb, Information Minister Uzma Bukhari, Agriculture Minister Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, Pervez Rasheed, MPA Sania Ashiq, Secretaries Agriculture, Finance, President Bank of Punjab and other officials participated in the briefing session.

During the meeting, it was decided to contact the federal government to remove tax on rice straw shredder machines to control smog and prevent crop residue burning.

During the meeting it was briefed that under the mechanization plan, the agricultural machinery will be purchased at a cost of two billion in 3 months and the mmachinery will be given to the farmers on subsidy. Moreover, under the 2-year mechanization plan, 23,000 agricultural equipment and 2,280 laser land levelers will be given to farmers at a cost of 13.4 billion rupees.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif gave the approval for the Solar Tube Well Project. Farmers holding up to 25 acres of land will be provided with solar systems in two years. According to report, 12pc wheat yield and 18pc rice yield decreased due to manual sowing.

During the meeting, CM was told that Pakistan need 29 million tonnes of wheat for its annual requirement while Punjab was producing 26 millions tonnes of wheat.

While 1.75 million tons of seeds are required annually for the cultivation of various crops, and 50 billion tons of seeds are imported annually.

Maryam inspects Ring Road

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister visited Ring Road Southern Loop three from Adda plot to Marak stop Multan Road. On the occasion, the CM ordered the completion of the project on urgent basis.

The CM also ordered the construction of Southern Loop 4 of Ring Road from Maraka to Sharqpur Interchange. Provincial Ministers, Chief Secretary and other concerned officials were also present on the occasion.

CM Maryam visits BHU

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister visited Basic Health Unit Upgradation project in Shamkay Bhattian.

The pilot project was completed in 8 days.

The CM Maryam visited various sections of the BHU and talked to doctors and patients on the occasion. The CM also ordered to upgrade the old residences of the staff as well.

Reporter Rao Dilshad Hussain