MULTAN: Provincial Minister for Agriculture Hussain Jehanian Gardezi said on Saturday that rice exports are expected to increase up to three billion dollars this year due to the effective agricultural policies of the incumbent government

He stated that “Basmati” varieties are much popular and hallmarks of Punjab province while the government is also paying focus on hybrid varieties to earn maximum foreign exchange. Recently, a long-grain variety has been prepared that will be made available to farmers very soon. Pakistani rice is popular across the globe due to its particular aroma and taste.

Rice has been cultivated in an area of 53 million acres. The provincial minister wished that Pakistan would achieve bumper production that will not only enhance the income of farmers but also help to strengthen the country’s economy.

For per acre improvement, the Punjab government is spending Rs 4 billion. Subsidies will give to the farmers on recommended varieties and machinery related to rice farming. Jehanian also hinted that the Punjab government was also promoting mechanized farming.