The board of governors of Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (Parc) has approved Rs 1.015 billion budget for the 2008-09 fiscal year. This was announced by Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock (Minfal) Nazar Mohammad Gondal, while presiding 29th meeting of the PARC here on Thursday. Minfal Secretary Mohammad Zia-ur-Rehman and board members were also present on the occasion.
There would be no shortage of wheat and essential food items in the country from next year as the government was taking concrete measures to promote the agriculture sector on modern lives, he said. "Presently, the country is facing serious food crisis and the government has set all eyes on the rapid development of agriculture sector", he observed.
He said that the 2008-09 budget showed an increase in allocation for research and development, agriculture credits, subsidies on fertilisers, particularly DAP, electricity, diesel drip and sprinkler irrigation and exemption of taxes/duties onfarm machinery.
Gondal said that the government wanted to improve rural infrastructure, management of water resources, promote improved production technologies and provision of subsidised farm machinery as well as improving farmers' access to agricultural credit and improved extension services.
He urged the agri-scientists to accelerate research and development activities with greater focus on food and water security, improved production and profitability of small holders, climate change mitigation strategies, prevention of trans-boundary as avian flue and wheat stem. Earlier, Parc Chairman Dr M. E. Tasneem briefed the meeting about the updated performance of the organisation. He said that Parc was making concrete efforts to boost the agri-production.