KHANEWAL: Director General Agriculture Extension Punjab Chaudhry Shahbaz Akhtar has urged farmers in Khanewal district to adopt modern harvesting methods and avoid burning crop residues to help reduce air pollution and smog.
During a visit to Mian Channu, the Director General inspected the harvesting of rice and encouraged farmers to use Kubota harvesters. He also advised farmers using combine harvesters to manage remaining crop residues through balers instead of burning them in the fields.
Crop-residue burning is a major source of smoke and air pollution during the post-harvest season. Avoiding the practice can help reduce harmful emissions and contribute to better air quality, particularly during the smog season.
Chaudhry Shahbaz Akhtar also directed farmers to ensure the timely cultivation of wheat and complete sowing by November 20. He encouraged the use of drills and super seeders and advised farmers to apply phosphorus and potash fertilisers in balanced quantities at the time of sowing.
Later, he chaired a meeting at the office of the Deputy Director Agriculture Extension Khanewal, where he reviewed progress on the wheat campaign, anti-smog measures, the AKAR scheme and recovery under the Kisan Card programme.
He directed agriculture officials to strengthen field monitoring and ensure effective implementation of government initiatives at the grassroots level.
During the visit, allotment letters were also distributed among successful farmers under Green Tractor Scheme Phase-IV.
The agriculture department’s focus on residue management, modern sowing techniques and timely wheat cultivation is aimed at supporting farmers while also contributing to efforts to reduce agricultural pollution and improve environmental conditions during the smog season.
