Govt to open farmer facilitation centres in Punjab 2024
The Punjab government has decided to establish facilitation centres in every tehsil to provide farmers with quality pesticides at controlled prices. This announcement was made during a meeting presided over by Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, which reviewed cotton cultivation targets, the measles situation, and the Suthra Punjab programme. All divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners across the province participated via video link.
Key Directives and Measures
Cotton Crop Monitoring
The Chief Secretary directed the commissioners of Bahawalpur, Multan, and Dera Ghazi Khan to ensure full monitoring of the cotton crop. This measure aims to enhance productivity and prevent issues that could affect the cotton yield.
Fertiliser Supply Management
Deputy commissioners were instructed to monitor the prices, supply, and demand of urea fertiliser for the next two months. They are to collect daily data on stocks and sales from dealers to ensure that farmers have adequate access to fertilisers at reasonable prices.
Health Sector Inclusion in KPIs
The health sector has been included in the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) set for the deputy commissioners. This inclusion aims to improve accountability and performance in health-related initiatives, ensuring better health outcomes for the population.
Crackdown on Illegal Cattle Sale Points
Before Eidul Azha, authorities are to launch a crackdown on illegal cattle sale points and form special squads for enforcement. This measure is intended to regulate the sale of cattle and maintain public order during the festive period.
Briefings and Updates
Agriculture Sector
The Agriculture Secretary reported that the provincial target for cotton sowing is four million acres, with 3.2 million acres cultivated so far. This progress indicates significant efforts towards achieving the target and supporting the agricultural sector.
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Health Sector
The Health Secretary detailed efforts to combat measles, noting that 3,210 confirmed cases and 22 deaths have been reported this year. Currently, 309 measles patients are being treated in hospitals. To address the outbreak, 19 medical camps have been established, and clinics-on-wheels have been mobilised. These efforts are crucial in controlling the spread of the disease and providing timely medical care to affected individuals.
The meeting also saw the attendance of the Local Government Secretary, who contributed to the discussions on the ongoing initiatives, emphasizing the collaborative approach in tackling various challenges.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the facilitation centres being established by the Punjab government?
The facilitation centres aim to provide farmers with quality pesticides at controlled prices, ensuring they have the necessary resources for effective farming.
Who presided over the meeting where the establishment of facilitation centres was announced?
The meeting was presided over by Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman.
Which areas are the commissioners required to monitor the cotton crop?
The commissioners of Bahawalpur, Multan, and Dera Ghazi Khan are required to monitor the cotton crop.
What is the directive given to deputy commissioners regarding urea fertiliser?
Deputy commissioners are instructed to monitor the prices, supply, and demand of urea fertiliser for the next two months and collect daily data on stocks and sales from dealers.
How is the health sector being included in the KPIs for deputy commissioners?
The health sector has been included in the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) set for the deputy commissioners to improve accountability and performance in health-related initiatives.
What action is being taken against illegal cattle sale points?
Authorities will launch a crackdown on illegal cattle sale points before Eidul Azha and form special squads for enforcement.
What are the current statistics for measles cases and efforts to combat the outbreak?
There have been 3,210 confirmed cases and 22 deaths due to measles this year. Efforts include treating 309 patients in hospitals, establishing 19 medical camps, and mobilizing clinics-on-wheels.
What is the provincial target for cotton sowing, and how much has been cultivated so far?
The provincial target for cotton sowing is four million acres, with 3.2 million acres cultivated so far.
Who attended the meeting along with the Chief Secretary?
The meeting was attended by divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, the Agriculture Secretary, Health Secretary, and Local Government Secretary.
What other initiatives were discussed in the meeting besides the facilitation centres?
The meeting also reviewed cotton cultivation targets, the measles situation, and the Suthra Punjab programme, along with directives for fertiliser supply management and crackdown on illegal cattle sale points.
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