Govt promoting farm sector: minister

Says previous rulers neglected agricultural, livestock and fisheries sectors

QUETTA: Balochistan Agriculture Minister Zamrak Khan Achakzai has said the provincial government was particularly focusing on the promotion of the agricultural, livestock and fisheries sectors to ensure sustainable development in the province.

“The development and promotion of these sectors will strengthen the economy of the province and improve the living standards of the people,” he told a delegation.

The minister regretted that in past, these important sectors were neglected.

“Agriculture, livestock and fisheries contributed billions of rupees to the provincial kitty in the past, but they are suffering now because the previous rulers did not pay any attention to them.”

However, he added that the incumbent government had taken concrete steps for the revival of these sectors. “This will yield long-lasting results. These sectors will again generate revenue and help in improving the provincial economy.”

Agriculture has potential to give boost to economy

Achakzai said funds had been allocated for agricultural, livestock and fisheries schemes in development programmes. “After schemes are completed, the province will witness prosperity and progress,” he added.

“The current government is committed to the development of the province, eradication of corruption and provision of all basic facilities to the people.”

Liaquat Shahwani, the spokesperson for the Balochistan government, recently said radical steps had been taken to modernise the agricultural sector of the province and to introduce latest equipment and techniques to cope with the drought that has hit some parts of the province.

“The province has huge potential in the farm sector but water scarcity and prolonged drought have badly affected it,” he added.

The Balochistan government, he said, was taking initiatives to resolve issues in the agricultural sector in the province on a priority basis.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 31^st, 2019.