Punjab Chief Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that increase in agriculture production and promotion of modern technology is the need of the hour and the Punjab government is utilising all resources for this purpose. He said that agriculture sector plays vital role for the development of the country and government is paying full attention for the development of this sector.
He said that not only green tractors and agriculture equipment are being provided to the farmers on subsidised rates but provision of quality seed and agri loans have also been ensured to them. He directed to constitute a cabinet committee for solving the problems of farmers, increase in production and promotion of modern technology which will submit its comprehensive recommendations, keeping in view all aspects of the development of agriculture sector.
He expressed these views while inspecting the pump operating through solar energy and agriculture equipment of 'Farm All Technology' and later addressing a meeting held with regard to improvement of agriculture sector at Raiwind Road, here on Sunday. MNA Imran Nazir, Chairman Task Force Haroon Khawaja, Nadim Babar, Senior Member Board of Revenue, Secretary Agriculture, Chairman Tevta, President Bank of Punjab, Managing Director Cholistan and other concerned officers attended the meeting.
Addressing the meeting, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that most of the population of the province depends upon agriculture and government is implementing a comprehensive strategy for development of agriculture sector so that not only self sufficiency could be achieved in agri products but proper return of the produce could also be ensured to the farmers.
He said that increase in agriculture produce is impossible without promotion of modern technology and government is taking all possible steps for streamlining agriculture sector on modern lines and introducing modern technology for increasing production. He also directed constitution of a cabinet committee for reviewing increase in agriculture production, improvement in agriculture sector and setting up of a company "Paidawar" in this regard which will submit its recommendations for setting up the said company.
Earlier, agriculture expert, Asif Sharif gave a detailed briefing with regard to improving the existing agriculture system and promotion of modern technology. He said that production of agriculture could only be increased with the use of modern technology. He said that use of traditional methods in agriculture sector, lack of knowledge about agriculture and research and non-availability of resources in time to the farmers are the major causes of decrease in agri production.
He gave a proposal for setting up of a company namely "Paidawar" which will streamline the agriculture sector on modern lines throughout the province and also provide all information including technical assistance to the farmers. He said that a vigorous media campaign would be launched in this regard. He also informed about other matters regarding setting up of the said company. The participants of the meeting also gave their suggestions with regard to establishment of this company.
Chief minister on this occasion, evinced keen interest in the modern agriculture implements and the pump operating through solar energy of 'Farm All Technology.'