SIALKOT: The Punjab government has formulated a plan for the promotion of sunflower and other oil seed crops in the province. Under the programme, sunflower will be cultivated on more than 200,000 acres of land in different areas of the province.

The agriculture department said that the step was being taken to produce the maximum edible oil aimed at lessening its import. At present, only 34% edible oil is being produced in the country, while 66% is being imported for catering to domestic needs.

Sunflower would be cultivated in Sialkot on 250 acres, Daska on 2,250 acres, Pasrur on 1,500 acres and 2,000 acres in Sambrial, they said. The agriculture department would extend full cooperation and assistance to sunflower growers in Punjab, officials added. The department has directed the growers to complete sowing by mid-February.