MULTAN: Almost 500,000 seed packets were distributed among people to promote production of vegetables in Punjab under Chief Minister’s three-year vegetables production project.
Over 900 demonstration plots of vegetables were also developed while farmers day programmes and seminars were also held for farmers’ training under the Rs 410.87 million project that is near completion, says a release issued by media liaison unit of the Punjab agriculture department on Saturday.
The seeds of hybrid tomato, onion, chilli, garlic and potato distributed among people were those developed by scientists of vegetables research institute of AARI, Faisalabad. Common people and farmers were also extended techniques of tunnel farming to grow off-season vegetables.
The agriculture spokesman said vegetables were grown on only 3.1 per cent of the total cultivated area in the country and there existed a vast room for expanding vegetables area. Punjab carries importance as its weather conditions were conducive for vegetables growth.
Modern research indicates that vegetables were important in healthy growth and human should consume at least 300-350 gram of vegetables per day. However, in Pakistan, per day per person vegetables consumption was only 100-150 grams which needs to be increased for better growth.
