LAHORE: Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research (MNFSR) Syed Fakhar Imam has emphasized upon the private sector to come forward for providing quality agricultural inputs and promoting mechanization through service providers' model.
He was speaking at a webinar 'Sustainable Rice Production for Boosting Rice Export of Pakistan' organized by the Pakistan Basmati Heritage Foundation (PBHF) here on the other day. Stakeholder from public & private sector participated in the webinar.
Fakhar Imam shared government initiatives for rice farming & industry to stabilize the country's economy. Dr Wyn Ellis Executive Director Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) shared the impact and adoption rate of SRP standard to drive scale (WAPRO & GEF). He further briefed that by 2023 about 1 million smallholders will adopt climate-smart sustainable agricultural practices.
Dr Abid Qaiyum Sulehri Executive Director Sustainable Development Institute highlighted the working of stakeholders in silos & Cop per Drop. He focused on agro-climatic zoning, allocation of Special Economic Zone for Agri. in CPEC & digitization.
Dr. M. Azeem Khan Chairman Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) shared that although the yield of rice increased 30% in last 40 years but still yield gap is more than 50 % between potential and actual. He underlined the productivity enhancement project under the PM Emergency Scheme worth PKR 15.8 Billion.
Shahid Tarar Convener Pakistan Basmati Heritage Foundation (PBHF) & Director Galaxy Rice shared about the goal of PBHF is to promote sustainable rice production and preserve Basmati Heritage through bringing major stakeholders. He explained "Why SRP standard is ideal for Pakistan" and said that greater collaboration with government is needed.
Dr. Anjum Ali Buttar DG Agri. Extension & Adaptive Research shared about the project "National Program for Enhancing Profitability through Increasing Productivity of Rice" in 15 rice districts of Punjab. He further highlighted the subsidies on fertilizers, rice transplanters, certified seed and rice specialized harvesters in addition to interest-free loans.
Shahjahan Malik Chairman REAP appealed the Government for including rice export sector among zero-rated export sectors and official backing to facilitate rice exporters for achieving the target of 5 billion dollars by 2025. He appreciated and owned the PBHF activities for connecting farmers with industry, research, academia, and development sector.
Dr. Abul Fazal Ali Khan a rice farmer highlighted the role of a progressive farmer in bringing changes at farm level. Similarly other participants including Adnan Aslam Director PBHF, Dr. Fazilda Nabeel LUMS, Dr. Anila Afzal UAAR, Dr. Ch. Muhammad Rafiq Director RRI KSK also highlighted the role and activities of their organizations. Imran Sheikh National Coordinator PBHF summarized key points of webinar.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020