Federal Food, Agriculture and Livestock Minister Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan has said that he is not satisfied with the performance of the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) regarding its role as alternative buyer of cotton. He told a news conference here on Friday that the introduction of TCP as a buyer, however, had helped the cotton growers in ending the monopoly of the All Pakistan Textiles Mills Association (Aptma).
Stating that the government would take measures to resolve problems of the growers, he added that the government was in contact with the TCP and the Aptma on the issue.
The minister asked the farmers to use herbicides for wheat crop and ensure its sowing before November 15. "The prices of herbicides have dropped by around 30 percent with the introduction of 21 more items on the generic list. The judicious use of herbicides could enhance per acre yield by 200kg to 250kg," he said.
He said that the government would ensure availability of herbicides, pesticides, fertiliser and other agri inputs during the Rabi season. The situation was satisfactory. There was nothing to be worried about, the minister said.
To a question, Bosan said that the government would decrease the prices of herbicides by 40 to 50 percent to encourage their use to ensure the achievement of wheat target of 20.15 million tonnes.
He declined to comment on indecision of the sugar mill-owners concerning commencement of sugarcane crushing season, which the government wanted to be begun from October 20 in Sindh and November 1 in Punjab.
The water situation has improved. The current water shortage forecast during the Rabi season is 44 percent. This shortage is manageable against the earlier projected water shortfall of 56 percent and 48 percent, he said.
Bosan said that 300 bulldozers would be imported and provided to the provinces to help them in undertaking various agricultural projects.
To another question, the minister said that a comprehensive Livestock Policy would be submitted to the federal cabinet next month. "We will try to implement the new policy before December.