Punjab govt to encourage maize cultivation

Chandigarh, June 12 (UNI) As part of its diversification programme, the Punjab government would supply 33,000 quintals maize seed to farmers, so as to increase the area under this crop.

Disclosing this here today, Agriculture Minister Sucha Singh Langah said the cultivation of maize was far more beneficial than paddy as it was less water intensive. He pointed out that 12,000 hectares of area had been covered under maize during the current kharif season.

He pointed out that paddy cultivation had resulted in the decline of the water table.

Mr Langah reiterated that the government was fully committed to meet the requirements of the farmers, that include high quality seeds, canal water for irrigation and 65,0620 MT of urea and 1,45,434 MT of DAP.

UNI