Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has warned the agriculture sector departments, agri-experts and scientists to increase cotton and other commodities production in three months or leave for home. Expressing dismay over drastic shortfall in cotton production, he said we will bring forth young professionals dedicated to serve the country. We have to ascertain and take accountable those who did not perform their duties to change the present system.
He was speaking at a seminar regarding GM Cotton and increase in cotton production in the province here on Wednesday, which was also attended by the Punjab Agriculture Minister Dr Farrukh Javed, heads of agriculture departments, academia, growers and agriculture experts.
He said Allah almighty had blessed Pakistan with all the resources including fertile land, abundant water, best weather, hard working growers and experts. But the agriculture sector was not showing progress despite all these resources. He admitted failure of the past governments in this regard yet the organisations entrusted with task of agriculture development also failed to play their role.
He said the federal and the provincial governments had announced a package of billions of rupees for the welfare of the farmers and increase in per acre yield. During the current year Rs 50 billion are being given to the low income growers while Rs 50 billion would be spent next year.
He said last year cotton and rice growers suffered losses therefore the Punjab government rising above the politics announced a package of Rs 100 billion for this sector It was first time that interest free loans are being extended to the growers, heavy subsidy is also being extended on agricultural machinery and fertiliser in collaboration with the federal government, he added.
He regretted that the agriculture extension services have become dead horse and there was a need to revive them. 'The government has also directed a crackdown against sale of fake and spurious pesticides and the culprits would be behind the bar. The Chief Minister said that the planners and agriculture experts must critically analyse causes of decrease in agriculture commodities and share their knowledge with all the stake-holders.
He said quality seed was very essential to increase the cotton production but other steps were also needed. The grower should get best reward for his produce. The Punjab Agriculture Minister Dr Farrukh Javed speaking at the seminar said this year cotton crop was better as compared to last year. Secretary Agriculture Punjab Muhammad Mahmood suggested introduction of GM Cotton technology, encouraging private sector for protection of rights of farmers and reactivating cotton seed sector.
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