The Farmers' Convention signifies a resolute commitment and a firm resolve of the present Government to the cause of Agriculture in Pakistan.
It is an occasion to reflect on the limitations and potentials of a very critical sector of the economy with a view to chart out a proactive and an all encompassing strategy which can bring in dividends to our farmers on a sustainable basis.
This in turn will contribute a great deal to make agriculture a lead sector in terms of the over all growth of the economy.
We, therefore, need to move with a fast pace in a number of directions to increase the over all productivity, focus on varietal development, cope with the water stresses in a bold manner and concentrate on the value addition of our produces with a view to find a place in the world market.
There is also a dire need for strengthening the linkages between the farm and the research out-fits. Delivery system will need a complete revamping with a view to ensure timely availability of inputs, credit line etc with a maximum out reach.
There is also the need to improve the marketing network so that the fruits of development must percolate at the farm level to the small and the subsistence grower.
I do trust that the Farmers' Convention will augur well for the Agriculture of Pakistan and lay a solid basis for our future growth and progress.