Farmers day at 125 GB Jaranwala

FAISALABAD, Nov 8: University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali has called for the adoption of modern wheat production technologies, quality seed and scientific cultivation practices to bridge the yield gap and strengthen Pakistan’s food security. He was addressing a Farmer’s Day organised at Trend Agricultural Farm, Chak No. 125-GB, Jaranwala, as part of a 10-day wheat production awareness campaign jointly conducted by the UAF and the Punjab Agriculture Extension Department from October 30 to November 8. A large number of farmers, agricultural experts and students attended the event. He said increasing wheat productivity was vital to ensuring national food self-sufficiency, improving farmers’ incomes and avoiding imports. He emphasised that the integration of agricultural research with farmers’ practical experience could unlock the enormous potential of the country’s wheat sector. He said that “Farmers are the driving force behind the country’s agricultural development and food self-sufficiency, particularly in ensuring sustainable wheat production. By equipping them with scientific knowledge, modern technologies and improved agricultural practices, Pakistan can substantially enhance per-acre yields, reduce production costs and achieve long-term agricultural stability. He advised growers to prefer drill sowing and super seeders over the traditional broadcast method, explaining that row sowing ensured uniform seed placement, reduced seed consumption and facilitated efficient crop management. Recalling the transformation brought about by the Green Revolution, Prof Zulfiqar Ali said wheat yields in Pakistan stood at merely 10 to 12 maunds per acre during the 1960s. However, sustained efforts by agricultural scientists, researchers and farmers, coupled with the introduction of high-yielding varieties and improved seed technology, had significantly enhanced productivity. He pointed out that progressive farmers were now achieving yields exceeding 80 maunds per acre. Director General Agriculture Extension Dr Shahbaz Akhtar urged farmers to complete wheat sowing between November 1 and 20 to ensure optimum crop establishment and productivity. He stressed that timely land preparation and the use of certified seed were fundamental to achieving better yields. He said the adoption of modern sowing machinery could help farmers improve plant population, optimise input use and enhance per-acre production. Referring to the Punjab government's agricultural initiatives, Dr Shahbaz said the Kisan Card, provision of super seeders and modern agricultural machinery, and the wheat support price of Rs4,500 per maund were important incentives for growers. He urged farmers to make effective use of these facilities and adopt recommended wheat production practices to achieve better economic returns. Dean Faculty of Agriculture Prof Dr Ghulam Murtaza said more than 3,200 UAF students participated in the 10-day wheat awareness campaign, visiting villages across six Punjab divisions — Faisalabad, Lahore, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Gujranwala and Gujrat. Under the supervision of agricultural experts, the students engaged directly with farmers, disseminated modern wheat production recommendations and identified field-level challenges affecting crop productivity. He said the campaign was designed to translate university research into practical solutions for farmers by strengthening interaction between agricultural scientists, extension workers and the farming community. The involvement of students had helped extend research-based knowledge to rural areas and create awareness about improved wheat cultivation practices. Progressive farmer Zia Alamdar Hussain said the use of modern production technologies and adherence to agricultural recommendations could enable growers to increase wheat yields while reducing cultivation costs. He appreciated the UAF and Agriculture Extension Department for taking technical guidance directly to farmers. Assistant Commissioner Jaranwala Ziaullah Gondal said the local administration was utilising all available resources to ensure the transparent and timely provision of government facilities to farmers. He said the awareness campaign would help growers benefit from agricultural support initiatives and improve wheat production in the region. Prof Dr Muhammad Naveed advised farmers planning to use their own preserved wheat seed to ensure proper cleaning and treatment with recommended chemicals before sowing. He stressed that balanced fertiliser application was equally important for healthy crop growth, warning that deficiencies of essential nutrients could considerably reduce final wheat yields. Director Agriculture Extension Faisalabad Khalid Mahmood and Rashid Ali stressed that timely sowing, quality seed, balanced fertilisation, efficient water management and modern machinery were essential to increasing wheat production.