Significant reduction in smog witnessed across Punjab: report

Lahore: A significant reduction in smog has been recorded across Punjab as modern agricultural machinery revolutionizes the province’s farming sector, saving four lakh acres of land from stubble burning.

According to a report presented by the Agriculture Department, harvesting has been completed on three million acres out of a total 6.4 million acres, while the use of Super Seeders, Mulchers, and Kubota machines has resulted in higher yields, reduced water consumption, and improved soil quality.

The Super Seeder technology simultaneously distributes seed, fertiliser, and water, achieving an average increase of 12 maunds per acre. 

The Department of Agriculture further informed that all four motorways in the province have been mapped under a real-time monitoring network, enabling rapid response teams to reach any reported fire site within an hour.

Punjab’s Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb paid a detailed visit to Nankana Sahib where she reviewed the province’s anti-smog initiatives and was briefed on the E-Mechanisation and Smog Control Programme under the Department of Agriculture.

Speaking on the occasion, Marriyum Aurangzeb described the use of modern machinery as a “revolutionary step” towards eradicating smog, noting that its introduction has not only reduced air pollution but also boosted crop productivity and farmers’ incomes.

The minister revealed that within just four days, the provincial government had provided 15 billion rupees in financial assistance to farmers under the Kisan Card Scheme, while modern machinery was being supplied at a 60 per cent subsidy. Thousands of farmers are now independently purchasing balers, giving rise to a rapidly expanding stubble-baling industry.

She highlighted that under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision, the foundation for a modern, sustainable, and environment-friendly agricultural system had been laid in Punjab. She said through e-mechanisation, the government is building not only a stronger economy but also ensuring a cleaner environment.

She pointed out that 90,000 fewer patients suffering from respiratory and lung-related illnesses were admitted to hospitals this year compared to last year , which is clear evidence of the success of the government’s anti-smog policy.

Concluding her remarks, Marriyum Aurangzeb said that Punjab’s agriculture has entered into a new era of development and prosperity.