Early cotton sowing gains momentum in South Punjab

MULTAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Mar, 2026) Commissioner Multan Division Aamir Karim Khan on Wednesday formally inaugurated the early cotton cultivation campaign in Makhdoom Rasheed by sowing seeds in a field and addressing a large gathering of farmers.

Speaking on the occasion, the commissioner highlighted agricultural initiatives and facilities being extended to growers. He said that the government was taking practical steps to promote farm development and ensure farmers’ welfare through the provision of Kissan Cards, modern machinery and other incentives. He added that effective planning was in place to enhance cotton output and ensure timely and uninterrupted canal water supply.

The commissioner assured the administration and the Agriculture Department were fully supporting farmers and would continue to provide technical guidance at the field level. Aamir Karim expressed confidence that this year’s early cotton sowing targets would be achieved, citing successful completion of agricultural goals over the past two years.

Under the provincial plan, Multan Division had been assigned a target of cultivating early cotton on 315,000 acres. He directed the Agriculture Department to ensure timely monitoring of whitefly, jassid, thrips and weeds, and to accelerate pest scouting and surveillance to prevent crop damage.

He said adequate irrigation water had been arranged through the canal system to support the cotton crop across the division.

Director Agriculture (Extension) Shehzad Sabir briefed participants on the current situation and future strategy. He said 20,244 farmers had been registered so far, with 97,564 acres brought under registration. For the 2026–27 season, cotton cultivation had already been completed on over 16,000 acres.

District-wise targets included 62,811 acres for Multan, 87,791 acres for Khanewal, 71,914 acres for Lodhran and 92,484 acres for Vehari, he added.