Speaker, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Asad Qaiser has said that hefty funds in next annual development program (ADP) will be allocated for provision of special incentives to farmers. He said that though 70 percent economy is based on agriculture, but they remained deprived during past governments of the province.
He expressed these views while addressing a function held in connections with Farmers' Day under the auspices of the Department of Agriculture and Dairy Development in district Swabi. Provincial Minister for Agriculture, Ikramullah Gandapore and officers of the Agriculture Department also addressed. On this occasion, the officials of the Agriculture Department highlighted in details the steps taken for the welfare of the growers in the district while the minister for agriculture asked the people to bring any complaints regarding the authorities of the department directly in his notice, so they could be redressed on time.
The Speaker, KP Assembly said that farmers has major role in the strengthening of the economy, but it is a matter of sorrow, but this sector always remained victim of deprivations. He said the present provincial government has initiated several incentives for the growers, which include the provision of free seed. He said that a hefty fund will be allocated in the next ADP for the provision of incentive package for the growers. He said that for the arresting of the water scarcity solar tube-wells are being installed in district Swabi. He said that 17 solar tube-wells will be installed in Tehsil Chota Lahore while 35 more tube-wells are being shifted on solar energy. He said that four tube-wells in each union council will be shifted on solar energy.
He directed the authorities of Agriculture Department for holding compulsory consultations with farmers before framing policies for them. He directed the authorities to operationalise Agriculture Laboratory in the district before July 15, 2016. The Speaker said that the provincial government has initiated a scheme of Rs 50 million under which steps are being taken for increase in the production of vegetables. He directed the authorities of Agriculture Department for provision of maximum seed of melons and peas to the growers of Swabi as the land of the district is highly suitable for the production of these crops.