Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif on Sunday presided over a high level meeting, which considered various measures and proposals for increasing cotton production in the province. Senior Advisor Sardar Zulfiqar Khosa, Minister for Agriculture Ahmad Ali Aulakh, MNAs, MPAs, representatives of farmers, Chief Secretary, Chairman Planning and Development, Senior Member Board of Revenue and officers concerned were present.
Secretary Agriculture Capt. Arif Nadeem (retd) gave a detailed briefing regarding increase in cotton production. Describing the briefing given by Secretary Agriculture as comprehensive, the Chief Minister said that Pakistan was an agrarian country and agriculture was the backbone of its economy. He said that increase in cotton production could not only help meet local needs but huge foreign exchange can also be earned through its export.
He said that high quality seed and modern technology was of vital importance for increasing cotton production. He said that Monsanto and other companies should be contacted for acquiring modern technology and assistance and an effective strategy should be evolved for this purpose keeping all aspects in view.
The participants of the meeting and agri experts gave their proposal regarding co-operation with Monsanto company for increasing cotton production.
Meanwhile, Shahbaz Sharif also presided over a meeting to review agriculture marketing reforms. Secretary Agriculture gave a briefing about the proposed reforms. Minister for Agriculture Malik Ahmad Ali Aulakh, Assembly Member Saud Majeed, Rauf Kashif, Chief Secretary, Chairman Planning and Development, Secretary Finance and officers concerned were present.
The Chief Minister issued instructions for setting up a special committee comprising Chairman Planning and Development and secretaries of Agriculture, Industries, Finance and Law to inform the cabinet committee regarding agriculture marketing reforms which would submit its recommendations in the meeting of provincial cabinet for approval.
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