ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary panel on Monday stressed the need to improve early warning system, maintain real-time data-based dashboard and improve inter-provincial coordination to minimize the locust damage.
On the directions of the speaker National Assembly, the sub-committee of the special committee on agricultural products deliberated a set of structural reforms-oriented agricultural budget proposals for the federal budget 2020-2021.
Shandana Gulzar Khan, the convener of the sub-committee, explained that the objective of the plan was to accelerate the modernization of agriculture sector, so that the sector could generate resources for the sustained development of the economy with a high degree of self-reliance.
She said that the proposed programme would complement the prime minister's initiatives for agriculture sector.
It was informed again that the proposed recommendations included revamping agriculture credit system, re-orienting agriculture research, digitizing agriculture extension system, transfer of technology through rental model, legislative framework for contract farming, and promoting farmer producer organizations.
Malik Ihsan Ullah Tiwana, a member of the panel, said that agriculture sector was beset by an array of cross-cutting themes and immediate impact on the rural livelihood and profitability was contingent upon integrated interventions in the agriculture sector.
Appreciating the technical input and support of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, he added that the qualitative guidance of the ministry was highly valuable.
After detailed deliberations on the financial quantum of the programme over the next couple of days, the panel would meet again to present the complete package by Friday.
The members of the committee sought comprehensive information on the government's strategy to minimize the threat posed by locust invasion.
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