Agriculture sector: ‘Fake pesticides crackdown to continue’

Shahbaz reviews implementation of Rs100 billion Kissan Package

LAHORE: The crackdown against fake pesticides and fertilisers will continue, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Saturday.

He was chairing a meeting held to review the implementation of Kissan Package. “Agriculture is the backbone of the economy. That is why the Punjab government has approved a Rs100 billion package to ensure the prosperity of farmers,” he said.

The CM said promotion of agriculture and prosperity of farmers were among the top priorities of the government. “The government is aware of the losses farmers have suffered.

This package will provide them relief,” he said.

The CM directed officials to work with farmers to increase per acre production. “A plan has been formulated for giving interest-free loans to farmers in the Punjab. Those involved in the business of fake pesticides and fertilisers do not deserve any concession and should be dealt with strictly. The Agriculture Department has to play its role in expediting the crackdown against such elements,” he said.

Agriculture Minister Dr Farrukh Javed, the agriculture secretary, the Punjab Information Technology Board chairman and the Chief Minister’s Inspection Team chairman were present.

Murder case

Traders of Sabzi Mandi called on the chief minister on Saturday to inform him about a murder case. The CM said it was sad that those involved in the murder of three people had not been arrested even after a month of the incident.

He directed police to arrest the accused. “Police should have arrested all the accused. It is a terrifying incident which occurred in Lahore,” he said.

The CM ordered police to present an inquiry report about the incident within 24 hours.

“Action will be taken against police officer responsible for the delay in the arrest of the accused,” he said.

The CM also directed officials to form a new police team to investigate the murders. He also directed the officials to provide security to the complainants. The CCPO, the Operations DIG and the Investigation DIG were present in the meeting.

Appreciation

The CM on Saturday expressed satisfaction over the security arrangements made for Jumatul Wida. The CM appreciated the performance of Cabinet Committee for Law and Order. He appreciated police and law enforcement agencies for performing their duties efficiently.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 3^rd, 2016.