Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has directed the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and Livestock (Minfal) to adopt holistic approach to narrowing the per acre yield gap by introducing better quality certified seed and technology in order to augment the income of the farmers.
Chairing a meeting to review goals and target of Minfal here on Tuesday, the Prime Minister said that agriculture sector is the backbone of country's economy, which contributes 22 per cent of GDP and is a major employer in the rural areas where 72 per cent of the population lives. He said innovative & demand driven research, knowledge based development system and best agriculture practices are required to be incorporated to promote agriculture sector.
Realising the importance of research and development, the Prime Minister also directed the Ministry to induct highly qualified professionals in PARC to effectively meet the challenges faced by the agricultural sector. He called upon the need for improving rural infrastructure and agriculture marketing through construction of more farms to market roads. He asked the Ministry to restructure the market committees and involve the private sector in its management and operation.
The Prime Minister directed the Ministry of Finance to release the funds already approved for the Ministry in this year budget, so that their on-going projects could not be affected. He also directed the Minfal to undertake immediate measures to increase the storage capacity by involving and encouraging private sector in order to meet the requirement of storage of surplus food, which at present is very low.
Gilani underlined the need for better water management, lining of water courses, supply of better seeds, fertilisers and pesticides to further accelerate the agricultural growth and to make the country self sufficient. The Prime Minister asked Minfal to co-ordinate with the regional initiative for establishing seed banks like in D-8 countries. He emphasised on improving the equality of human resource in the public sector and ensuring merit in selection and retention of government officers. A smaller and capable public sector can deliver more effectively than large and inefficient pool of employees, he observed.
Federal Minister for Minfal Nazar Mohammad Gondal briefed the Prime Minister that the Ministry's vision is to formulate policies, plans and regulatory framework, in co-ordination with provinces and other stakeholders, to ensure food security for all citizens and to improve the productivity and profitability of the agriculture sector with competitiveness in the domestic and international markets.
Secretary Minfal in his detailed presentation informed the meeting about the importance of agriculture in Pakistan's economy and for large segment of population engaged in the sector. He further apprised the meeting that the Ministry is regularly taking stock of the Wheat situation in the country. He assured the Prime Minister that the Ministry is fully cognisant of its role and responsibilities and is focusing on bridging the yield gap, providing focused research and development, accelerating farm mechanisation, improving water usage efficiency and promoting good agriculture practices.
PARC Chairman briefed the Prime Minister about the research and development status and the difficulties being faced by his organisation due to shortages of qualified people. He also apprised Prime Minister of the on-going research projects undertaken by PARC in various parts of the country. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Chairman Planning commission, Sardar Asif Ahmad Ali and other senior government officials.