Agricultural growth in Pakistan over last four decades has taken place at a rate of 4.3 percent per annum. The green revolution of sixties and Pakistanis investment in water and agricultural infrastructure facilitated to accomplish this magnificent performance.
Water shortage is one of the main limiting factors in agriculture and the drought over last few years has further compounded this situation.
The government is aware of this ordeal and ventures to address this issue on top priority. We are putting up a massive investment in on farm water management of Rs 66 billion to over next four years to renovate the remaining 86 thousand water courses in all federating units of Pakistan at an accelerated pace. I hope farming community will participate actively to make this program a success.
Availability of agricultural credit is highly important for boosting agricultural production and pushing the agenda of raising productivity and reducing poverty levels in the country.
The commercial banks and leasing companies have been inducted to play leading role in addressing the need for farm credit.
The State Bank has already reformed procedures for disbursement and retirement of the credit.
We are committed for a rapid farm mechanisation of farm operations. The government is seriously making efforts to make equipment cost effective so that a small farmer has an access to these appliances.
I hope that the Farmer's Convention will provide a useful forum to the policy formulators and stake-holders to take concrete steps which will go a long way in improving agriculture.
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