Punjab launches ‘Grow More Cotton’ campaign with major farmer support initiatives

BAHAWALPUR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Apr, 2026) Under the auspices of the Punjab Agriculture Department, an inaugural seminar was held in Bahawalpur as part of the “Grow More Cotton” campaign. The event was graced by Commissioner Bahawalpur Division Musarrat Jabeen as the chief guest. Director Agriculture (Extension) Bahawalpur, Muhammad Jameel Ghouri, Deputy Director Agriculture (Extension) Hafiz Muhammad Shafeeq, along with other officials and a large number of farmers, also attended.

Addressing the seminar, the Commissioner stated that cotton holds the status of the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, with the textile industry heavily dependent on this crop. She highlighted that Bahawalpur Division contributes approximately 50% of Punjab’s total cotton production, thereby increasing both its importance and responsibility. She further noted that improved cotton production not only enhances farmers’ income but also plays a key role in boosting national exports.

The Commissioner shared that under farmer-friendly initiatives of the Chief Minister of Punjab, over 125,000 Kisan Cards have already been distributed, while registration for Phase II has also begun. Under the internship program, 348 agriculture graduates are actively engaged in field activities to promote modern agricultural technologies.

She added that under the Chief Minister’s Green Tractors Program, 4,045 tractors have been provided on subsidy. Additionally, a Cotton Valley Project worth approximately PKR 2 billion has been launched in Bahawalpur Division. Under this project, farmers are being provided with chisel ploughs, model farms, and power sprayers. She directed the concerned authorities to ensure the timely availability of canal water during the cotton cultivation season.

The Commissioner further emphasized that field teams are fully mobilized to achieve cotton cultivation targets and are providing maximum guidance to farmers. She expressed confidence that ongoing government initiatives, particularly the Kisan Card, Green Tractors Program, and Cotton Valley Project will prove highly beneficial for farmers. She also stated that district and divisional administrations are working in coordination with relevant departments to ensure the timely availability of quality agricultural inputs at notified prices, enabling a significant increase in productivity.

Director Agriculture (Extension) Bahawalpur, Muhammad Jameel Ghouri, informed that cotton sowing has formally begun in the division, with a target of cultivating cotton on approximately 1.7 million acres during the current season. He added that a comprehensive strategy has been devised, with clear targets assigned to field formations, whose performance is being continuously monitored. Strict market surveillance is underway to ensure the availability of agricultural inputs at official prices, while farmers are being encouraged to adopt modern production technologies to increase per-acre yield.

He further stated that under the Cotton Valley Project, 2,645 chisel ploughs, 945 model farms, and 13,000 power sprayers will be provided to farmers on subsidy through an online portal. Subsidies include PKR 120,000 per unit for chisel ploughs, PKR 50,000 per model farm, and PKR 25,000 per power sprayer. Farmers have been urged to submit their applications within the stipulated timeframe to fully benefit from these facilities.