Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Sikander Hayat Bosan chaired the 86th meeting of all Pakistan Central Committee held at Ministry of National Food Security and Research. Before devolution this committee was dealt under Ministry of Agriculture/National Food Security. The prime minister recently placed it again under his ministry, said the federal minister.
He further said that cotton is an important crop but unfortunately it is not given due importance. It was my desire to deal this issue under my ministry to take some positive steps for its growth before end of my tenure. This cabinet provided a great support for this crop, said a press release issued here on Wednesday.
He also said that there are certain issues faced by this crop, including water shortage, increase in prices of pesticides. He also said that 18th amendment could not brought results, which were expected. He also instructed to complete all procedure quickly for better functioning of this committee.
Secretary Ministry of National Food Security Fazal Abbas said that he sent a letter to Indus River System Authority to release more water while sowing season. The Irsa responded, "We distribute water to provinces then provincial irrigation departments further distribute waters." He suggested holding meeting with provincial irrigation departments to discuss this issue. The Pakistan Central committee discussed twelve agendas, including, confirmation of the minutes of the 85th meeting of the committee, approval of revised estimates 2017-2018 and budget estimates for 2018-2019, approval of draft advertisements for appointment to the critical vacant posts of PCCC. The meeting was attended by representatives of Ministry of Textile, Ministry of Planning, Chairman Pakistan Agriculture Research Council, Grower member of Balochistan and official of Ministry of National Food Security and Research.-PR