The government is implementing a comprehensive strategy to develop the agriculture sector on modern scientific lines and in this connection best possible facilities are being provided to the farmers on top priority basis, said Chaudhry Muhammad Wasi Zafar, Federal Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights.
Addressing a seminar on the importance of sunflower and canola at Jaranwala, which was organised by the Pakistan Oilseed Development Board (PODB), he said that Pakistan is an agriculture country, which provides livelihood to over 70 percent population living in rural areas. "It was in this connection that government attaches top priority to this sector, he said, adding record development projects have been completed in rural areas during this tenure.
Paying rich tribute to the vision and leadership of President General Pervez Musharraf, Wasi Zafar said the president has taken bold decision to construct new water reservoirs to provide adequate water to the tail enders in addition to bringing more land under plough.
"This step would not only strengthen national economy but also play its role in arresting rural poverty," he remarked. The minister said a gigantic project for the brick-lining of watercourses have also been initiated to save 40 percent water wasted due to excessive seepage in unlined channels and watercourses. Terming the subsidy given on fertilisers as "gift" from the government, he said it would not only reduce the input cost of agriculture but also attract young educated people to revert back to agriculture and set up agro-based industry in rural areas.
He also urged upon the farmers to cultivate oilseed crops to earn profit not only for them but also play their role in saving foreign exchange of Rs 53 billion being spent presently on the import of edible oils.
He also asked the farming community to avail from the facilities extended by the government and strengthen it for the continuity of its farmers-friendly policies.
Addressing the gathering, PODB Provincial Director Syed Nasir Ali Shah said the government will purchase their produce at the minimum price of Rs 830 per maund in addition to providing them a subsidy of Rs 250 on each bag of seed.
"Similarly, he said the government was also providing various agriculture appliances at cheaper rates," he said, adding it would help the farmers to harvest better yield as compared to the traditional farming. The seminar was also attended by scientists and experts who underlined the importance and economic benefits of oilseed crops.