DG Agriculture Orders Intensified Anti-smog Drive Ahead of Paddy Harvest
FAISALABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Sep, 2026)
Director General (DG) Agriculture (Extension) Punjab, Chaudhry Shahbaz Akhtar, has ordered intensified measures against smog and crop-residue burning in the paddy-growing areas of Faisalabad division ahead of the expected start of paddy harvesting in the first week of October.
He directed field teams to remain active round the clock and ensure effective implementation of provincial government’s zero-tolerance policy.
During a review meeting at the office of Director Agriculture (Extension) Faisalabad division, he issued these directives.
Director Agriculture (Extension) Chaudhry Khalid Mahmood provided a detailed update on cultivation areas and production of major crops in the division, as well as ongoing activities of the Agriculture Department. All Deputy Directors Agriculture (Extension) of Faisalabad division and Assistant Directors Agriculture (Extension) of Faisalabad district attended in person, while representatives from Toba Tek Singh, Chiniot, and Jhang joined via Zoom.
The meeting reviewed measures to combat smog and prevent crop-residue burning.
Director Agriculture (Extension) explained that announcements in villages, farmers’ training gatherings, meetings with local leaders, and conventions for village headmen were being organized to raise awareness about the harmful effects of crop-residue burning and promote alternative agricultural practices.
DG Agriculture (Extension) Punjab directed:
- That the anti-smog and anti-crop-residue-burning campaign in paddy-growing areas be intensified ahead of the expected commencement of paddy harvesting.
- Awareness announcements through mosques after Maghrib prayers and other channels should continue to ensure effective communication with farmers.
- Anti-residue-burning monitoring teams deployed along motorways operate 24 hours a day, emphasizing the need to utilize all available resources to prevent crop residue burning.
- Stressed the need for effective implementation of Punjab government’s zero-tolerance policy against crop-residue burning.
For the upcoming Rabi 2026-27 wheat season, the meeting was informed that a target of cultivating 1.830 million acres in Faisalabad Division had been set and distributed down to the Union Council level.
DG directed an extensive awareness campaign for timely wheat sowing from November 01 to 20, encouraging farmers to use certified seed and adopt modern mechanized cultivation, particularly wheat sowing through super seeder.