Upgrading agriculture: Tractor makers asked to improve quality

If they fail, the govt could allow competitors in market

ISLAMABAD: While noting the poor quality of tractors, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan has asked manufacturers to improve standards, otherwise the government would allow competitors to enter the market.

He stated this while talking to a delegation of the Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (Paapam) on Friday.

An official, who was part of the meeting, said the minister expressed his dismay over the unsatisfactory quality of tractors produced by the local manufacturers and urged them to improve the quality.

The minister said the government could allow other competitors if they failed to come up with required standards.

Bosan stated that availability of sufficient tractors at affordable prices was the key to encouraging an agricultural revolution. The industry has been striving to meet demand but unfortunately locally manufactured farm machinery lacks standardisation and quality.

He reiterated that locally manufactured tractors had a low-performance engine, poor hydraulic distribution system, poor quality hooks and hinges.

He underlined the need for upgrading the technology and complying with standards and specifications. Farm mechanisation comes next in line after land and water, so the introduction of new players is the need of the hour as outdated technology is reducing yields, he said.

“High agricultural growth is a prerequisite for sustainable development and food security,” the minister remarked.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 5^th, 2015.

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