Commissioner for achieving cotton targets across division

BAHAWALPUR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Apr, 2026) A meeting of the Divisional Committee on the “Grow More Cotton Campaign 2026” was held under the chairmanship of Commissioner Irfan Ali Kathia to review strategies for achieving cotton cultivation targets across the region.

The meeting was attended by the Additional Commissioner Coordination, Additional Deputy Commissioners, Director Agriculture Extension Muhammad Jameel Ghouri, and officers from relevant departments.

Officials briefed the participants that a target of cultivating cotton on 1.695 million acres has been set for the current season in Bahawalpur Division, with the optimal sowing period running from April 15 to May 15 as per Punjab government guidelines.

The Commissioner directed all departments to ensure the achievement of the assigned targets and emphasized that field teams of the Agriculture and Revenue departments must provide facilities to farmers at their doorstep. He also instructed the Irrigation Department to ensure uninterrupted water supply up to tail ends without rotation (warabandi), enabling timely sowing of the crop.

Highlighting government initiatives, the Commissioner stated that special incentives and facilities have been announced for farmers cultivating cotton, while comprehensive measures are being taken to increase per-acre yield.

Under the “Cotton Valley” project, subsidies are being provided on modern agricultural machinery. These include Rs. 120,000 subsidy on chisel ploughs, Rs. 25,000 per unit on power sprayers, and Rs. 60,000 per farm for establishing cotton model farms. Applications are being processed through an online portal of the Agriculture Department, and successful farmers will be selected through a transparent balloting process. The meeting was further informed that over 127,000 Kisan Cards have already been issued in the division, while interest-free loans of up to Rs. 300,000 are being provided to farmers for wheat cultivation.

The Commissioner directed Revenue and Agriculture officials to guide farmers on modern agricultural technologies and ensure strict monitoring of the quality and prices of fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides. He stressed a zero-tolerance policy against illegal activities such as hoarding and overpricing. Deputy Commissioners were instructed to closely monitor all activities related to cotton cultivation targets.

The Commissioner also emphasized the importance of farmer gatherings and lumberdar conventions to encourage cotton sowing, directing district officers to actively participate in these outreach programs.