A major step to revolutionize agriculture in the Potohar region was witnessed on Thursday with the organization of a dedicated ginger festival in Dawari village, Rawalpindi. The event, a key initiative under the Agriculture Transformation Plan launched by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, was designed to spotlight the potential of ginger farming and strengthen its supply chain across the area.
Officials Outline Support and Subsidies for Farmers
The festival saw Dr. Sajid-ur-Rehman, the Director General of Agriculture Research Punjab, attending as the chief guest. He detailed the department's proactive measures to encourage ginger cultivation. The primary goals are to increase local production significantly and, consequently, reduce Pakistan's reliance on imported ginger. He revealed that a substantial budget has been earmarked by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif specifically for promoting this crop in Potohar.
Under this ambitious plan, concrete support is being offered to local farmers. Subsidies are being provided for cultivating ginger on 100 acres of land in the region over a span of three years. This comprehensive support package includes the provision of high-quality seeds as well as financial assistance for installing modern drip irrigation systems and protective tunnels, which are crucial for the crop's success.
Research and High Profit Potential Highlighted
Dr. Muhammad Iqbal, Director of the Vegetable Research Institute in Faisalabad, presented the extensive research work his institute has conducted on ginger, including trials for different suitable varieties. Adding to this, Aamir Latif, a Principal Scientist for Vegetables, emphasized the vast untapped potential for ginger cultivation in Pakistan's climate and soil.
He strongly advocated for farmers to consider ginger as a highly profitable alternative, stating that it could generate considerably higher earnings compared to traditional crops commonly grown in the region. This shift could lead to improved economic outcomes for farming communities.
A Collaborative Push for Agricultural Change
The event underscored a collaborative approach to agricultural development. It was attended by a wide array of stakeholders, including Muhammad Irfan Mann from the Project Monitoring Unit, Khawaja Mazhar Iqbal representing the Agriculture Tourism Department, and representatives from Progressive Agriculture, Qasim Nishtar and Aamir Shahzad. A large gathering of scientists and local farmers also participated, indicating strong grassroots interest in the initiative.
The festival in Dawari village marks a focused, practical beginning for the government's plan to transform the agricultural landscape of Potohar, with ginger cultivation positioned as a promising avenue for economic growth and import substitution.
