KHUDIAN DIRECTS CHIEF AGRICULTURE OFFICERS TO FURNISH BIWEEKLY PROGRESS REPORTS

• Also asks to achieve targets of sampling of seeds, fertilizers & pesticides under quality control drive

Chandigarh, January 21:

In a decisive move to enhance the efficiency of agricultural schemes/programs in the state, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, on Tuesday, directed all the Chief Agriculture Officers (CAOs) to furnish biweekly progress reports. The move aims to ensure that all ongoing centrally and state sponsored agricultural schemes are closely monitored and evaluated, allowing for timely interventions and improvements.

While chairing a series of meetings with CAOs here at Kisan Bhawan, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian reviewed the status of the ongoing schemes and projects in seven districts yesterday and remaining district officers were called today to review the progress of their respective districts.

He also asked the field staff to accomplish the targets regarding sampling of seeds, pesticides and fertilizers to ensure quality agriculture inputs to the state farmers. He emphasized on the importance of regular reporting in identifying challenges and successes within the department. By implementing a biweekly reporting system, the state government seeks to enhance transparency and accountability, ultimately leading to improved productivity and better support for farmers across the state.

Under the quality control drive launched by the department, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said, the targets for sampling of seeds, pesticides and fertilizers were fixed at 6100, 4800 and 3700 respectively. Out of which, 5082 of seeds, 2867 of pesticides and 2473 of fertilizers have been drawn so far. He said that 141 samples of seeds failed the quality test, 81 samples of pesticides were found misbranded and 78 samples of fertilizers were found sub-standard. The department has initiated legal actions against the dealers/firms, which samples failed quality norms during sampling.

While reviewing the progress of the ongoing centrally and state sponsored agricultural schemes, the Agriculture Minister asked the CAOs to utilize the funds meticulously and submit the utilization certificates to the competent authorities before the end of this financial year.