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Lahore, Punjab’s Agriculture and Livestock Minister, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, chaired a strategic meeting focusing on the expansion of soybean cultivation and the revitalization of the citrus sector in the province. The plans include a substantial soybean cultivation program and the establishment of advanced research centers to bolster agricultural output and efficiency.
According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, Minister Kirmani emphasized the importance of increasing the area under soybean cultivation to 100,000 acres through a collaborative effort involving academia, research bodies, and the agricultural industry. This initiative, spearheaded by the University of Agriculture in Faisalabad, aims to enhance food self-sufficiency and bolster overall production.
During the meeting, Vice Chancellor of Agriculture University Faisalabad, Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, detailed the ongoing projects at the university, including the establishment of a Soybean Genetics and Seed Supply Chain Center, for which planning documents have been submitted. Additionally, efforts are underway to set up a Soybean Research and Development Lab to support these endeavors.
Minister Kirmani also announced plans for a modern citrus research center in Toba Tek Singh, which will span 30 square meters and provide technical guidance and research support to citrus growers in the region. He highlighted the significant citrus production in districts like Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, and Sargodha, underscoring the potential for further development.
Further collaborations are planned with international research institutes in California and Washington to enhance agricultural practices and outputs. A special team of agricultural scientists from Punjab is slated to visit these institutes to gain insights and apply advanced research techniques back home.
Secretary of Agriculture, Punjab, Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, noted the ongoing efforts to revive citrus cultivation, including new research centers in Toba Tek Singh and Layyah and the expansion of modern nurseries by the Citrus Research Institute in Sargodha. These efforts aim to boost production and explore export opportunities, ultimately reducing the import bill and enhancing the economic viability of Punjab’s agriculture.
The meeting was well-attended by key agricultural officials, including Special Secretary Agriculture Shahshah Faisal Azim, Additional Secretary Agriculture Planning Captain (R) Waqas Rashid, and other prominent figures in the field.