Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Monday stressed that federal and provincial governments should work together to provide inputs to farmers at reasonable rates to strengthen agriculture.
He was speaking at the inauguration ceremony of Seed Potato Production and Aeroponics Complex established with the assistance of South Korea for indigenising seed potato production using advanced technology.
PM Shehbaz said that timely availability of good quality seeds, fertilizers and medicines will bring revolution in the field of agriculture and result in increase in exports.
He thanked Korea for helping Pakistan in setting up the complex for production of potato seed.
“Korea has a strong economy and Pakistan wants cooperation with it in different sectors,” he remarked.
The premier said that our farmer is hard working and capable and works in all kinds of weather and with the use of modern seed the production of potato will increase.
“Our farmer needs best seeds, fertilizers and genuine medicines,” he added.
He emphasized that agriculture graduates should be provided suitable environment so that they could contribute in the development of agriculture sector.
PM Shehbaz said that the Minister for Food Security and his team should focus on the progress of agriculture sector.
About 65% of our population in rural areas was associated with agriculture, he noted.
“We have to increase the share of agriculture in the country’s economy. We have to enhance share of production of cotton, sugarcane and other crops,” the premier added.
PM Shehbaz said if we make progress with dedication we will be ahead of other countries in the sector of agriculture.
“We are sending 1000 agriculture graduates to China for training.”
He urged the minister for food security to focus on the local manufacturing of agriculture machinery including combined harvester.
The premier appreciated researchers and scientists of Pakistan Agriculture Research Council for their dedication and hard work to promote agriculture.
Due to efforts of these researchers agriculture of Pakistan will make progress, he added.
He said efforts should be intensified for the promotion of small and medium enterprises in the rural areas.
“We have to take steps for storage and transportation of vegetables and fruits,” he continued.
He said farmers should focus on value addition by making use of fruits and vegetables in abundant supply.
He said Pakistan is spending precious foreign exchange reserves on import of $ 4.5 billion of palm oil and there is a need to reverse the trend by increasing local production.
“Pakistan’s livestock sector also has immense potential, he said adding that we need to put our act together to take part in the progress of the country. We have to work hard to change our agriculture sector” the premier asserted.