Agri secretary reviews cotton cultivation targets in Bahawalpur

BAHAWALPUR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th May, 2026) Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo chaired a meeting regarding the cotton crop at the committee room of the Commissioner Office Bahawalpur.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner Irfan Ali Kathia, Special Secretary Agriculture South Punjab Sarfraz Hussain Magsi, Deputy Commissioner Bahawalpur Syed Hassan Raza, Director Generals of the Agriculture Department Abdul Hameed, Naveed Ismat Kahloon, Dr Aamir Rasool, officers of the Irrigation Department, farmers, and other stakeholders. Deputy Commissioners of Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan participated in the meeting via video link.

During the briefing, the secretary agriculture was informed that a target of cultivating cotton on 1.695 million acres has been set for Bahawalpur Division. Officials further informed the meeting that the current condition of the cotton crop is satisfactory and that 80 percent of the cultivation target in Bahawalpur Division has already been achieved.

Addressing the participants, Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo said that more than 50 percent of Punjab’s overall cotton cultivation target would be achieved from Bahawalpur Division alone.

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He appreciated the campaign being carried out under the leadership of Commissioner Bahawalpur Division Irfan Ali Kathia for achieving cotton cultivation targets in the region.

The secretary stated that all available resources and measures are being utilized to achieve the cotton cultivation target. Referring to the international market situation, he said that cotton prices are expected to remain stable and encouraging during the current season, while the local market price of raw cotton has already exceeded Rs11,000 per maund. He further stated that the availability of fertilizers and quality agricultural pesticides at officially fixed prices is being ensured in markets, while an adequate supply of canal water is also being maintained in cotton-growing areas.

Iftikhar Ali Sahoo emphasized that the active and practical participation of all stakeholders is essential to achieving cotton cultivation and production targets. The Secretary Agriculture Punjab directed officials to ensure the achievement of 100 percent cotton cultivation targets by May 31 and instructed field formations to further accelerate activities related to crop care and management.