Expressing concern over extensive damage caused to wheat crop because of freak weather conditions, Punjab Agriculture Minister Tota Singh on Monday directed the concerned authorities to make advanced arrangements for wheat seeds for the Rabi season 2015-16. Instructions were issued to Punjab Seed Development Corporation and other concerned agencies.
Singh said that it was imperative for the agriculture department to segregate healthy seeds for the next crop as there was widespread damage, discolouration, and shrinkage due to untimely rains in the month of March and April.
The Minister said that Punjab has been a leading state for contributing to the national wheat kitty and it was necessary for the state to make advanced arrangements for 2015-16 Rabi season so that state was fully geared up to meet its national targets for central pool.
He said that an expert consultancy group be constituted to examine the wheat seed for ongoing season of Rabi crops and ensure its proper distribution in all wheat sowing areas.
The farmers should contact experts in Punjab Agricultural University, ludhiana, and the district agriculture officers concerned for sample analysis of the seed and for soil health test, he said adding that the state government is always committed to help and assist farmers to get maximum yield and remuneration.
He added that the farmers should also attend training camps held by the government from time to time.