CM Murad foresee increase in wheat yield up to 35 mounds/acre with Rs56 bn growers support program

CM Murad foresee increase in wheat yield up to 35 mounds/acre with Rs56 bn growers support program

LARKANO (Nov 10): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said the growers support program to boost agricultural productivity, aiming to increase the average wheat yield to 35 maud per acre, a target that would substantially enhance farmers' incomes.

He said this on Monday while speaking at inaugural ceremony of the Direct Cash Transfer for Purchase of DAP & Urea Bags under the Growers Support Program, inaugurated by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.l at police training ground.

During his address, the Chief Minister candidly acknowledged past errors, specifically the failure to set a reserve price for wheat, which led to costly imports. To rectify this, he revealed that Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had directed him to negotiate with the federal government and IMF authorities to secure a minimum support price and a commitment for wheat procurement, crucial steps to ensure farmers receive fair compensation.

Emphasising the vital role farmers play in the economy, Chief Minister expressed profound gratitude to Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for his unwavering guidance and dedication to the program. He noted Bilawal's priority in visiting Larkana despite a busy schedule in Islamabad.

Recalling the devastating 2022 floods – the worst in Sindh’s history- Murad Shah highlighted Bilawal Bhutto's immediate response as then Foreign Minister, suspending engagements to oversee relief efforts in Larkana. Under Bilawal's directive, the Sindh government assumed full responsibility for rehabilitating flood-affected populations, particularly farmers.

Mr Shah underscored the launch of a large-scale housing project, a testament to Bilawal's vision, and acknowledged the cooperative support received from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in managing flood relief, despite significant challenges in wheat cultivation and water management during that period.

Detailing the current initiative, the Chief Minister outlined planned cash transfers totaling Rs56 billion, specifically targeting small farmers (up to 25 acres) most impacted by recent adversities. These transfers, allocated for DAP and urea fertilisers, have already commenced through Sindh Bank and other financial institutions.

Looking ahead, he elaborated on efforts to boost agricultural productivity, aiming to increase the average wheat yield to 35 maund per acre, a target that would substantially enhance farmers' incomes. A weekly monitoring system will be implemented to ensure farmers consistently receive fair returns for their labor.

Concluding his address, Chief Minister Murad Shah reaffirmed the government's steadfast commitment to rural farmers, asserting that their prosperity is foundational to the development of both Sindh and Pakistan. He pledged continued dedication to the farming community's welfare, working under Chairman Bilawal's leadership and upholding the visionary legacy of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto.