Agriculture: National food security policy on its way: Bosan

Ministry to present ‘Plant Breeders Bill’ to resolve issues, boost sector

ISLAMABAD: The national food security policy is being finalised and would be announced after complete consensus, said Minister for National Food Security and Research Sikandar Hayat Bosan.

“We have uploaded the draft on the official website of the ministry for comments and suggestions from the members of parliament and other stakeholders,” he said. The policy would be submitted to the federal cabinet for final approval before its announcement.

He said the National Food Security Council is also being set up, to be headed by the Prime Minister, to further boost the agriculture sector. The council would help resolve issues between the federal and provincial governments, pertaining to agriculture after the 18th Amendment.

“The ministry would also present the Plant Breeders Rights Bill during the upcoming session of the National Assembly, which would revolutionise the agriculture sector within three years,” said Bosan, adding the protection of breeders’ rights would build up confidence among local and foreign breeders and attract investment in the sector.

“Our government to give relief to farmers has announced a ‘Kissan Relief Package worth Rs341 billion, which is a short-term measure to prepare farmers to cultivate the next crop. Under the package, rice and cotton growers having 12.5 acres or less land would be provided Rs5,000 per acre support.”

“We have also tried to reduce the input cost by relieving duties on pesticides and fertilisers,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 21^th, 2015.

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