'Government wants to create supportive environment for farmers': Kissan Ittehad team meets Dar

A four-member delegation of the Pakistan Kissan Ittehad led by Khalid Mahmood Khokhar here on Friday called on Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar. Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan, Minister for National Food Security and Secretary to the Prime Minister Fawad Hasan Fawadwas were also present at the meeting, said a press release.
The minister said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif wanted welfare of agriculture community, adding the government had taken historical steps in agriculture sector including Prime Minister's Kissan Package 2015 and unprecedented measures during the National Budget this year.
He assured the delegation that the government was cognizant of difficulties of the agricultural sector in the context of decrease in global commodity prices. He stressed upon the delegation for enhancing crop yield and farm productivity through mechanization and adoption of best practices. The minister invited the delegation to engage in a sustained policy dialogue with the government for designing future interventions in the agriculture sector.
He said the government was determined to create a facilitating and supportive environment for farmers. The minister assured the delegation that further improvement in research and development for enhancing agriculture output in the country was being undertaken. The minister appreciated the valuable role played by Minister for National Food Security on facilitating the farming community and reiterated government's support for the agriculture sector.
Chairman Pakistan Kissan Ittehad appreciated the commitment of the government and the steps taken so far for agriculture sector. He highlighted the challenges faced by the agriculture sector and sought support of the federal government for protecting the interests of the farming community. Secretary National Food Security, Secretary Industries and senior officials of the Ministry of Finance attended the meeting.