With Chinese help: Govt to focus on research to boost crop yields

PM stresses for strict action against the mafias involved in the adulteration of pesticides and seed varieties

ISLAMABAD: The government, in cooperation with China, is focusing on research to enhance the yield of various crops, including cotton, as 60% of the country’s exports were related to the latter, said Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Talking to a delegation of the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma), which called on him on Wednesday, the prime minister said cotton was an important crop of Pakistan and its produce created economic and job opportunities in the country.

He stressed for strict action against the mafias involved in the adulteration of pesticides and seed varieties. The prime minister, on the suggestion of the delegation, directed the Commerce Division to appoint a focal person to look after the matters relating to cotton production.

He also directed for consideration of proposals regarding amendments in the Seed Act and the allocation of cotton cess for the research relating to the cotton crop. The process of registration of seeds of various varieties and tax refunds should be made easy, the prime minister added.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 2^nd, 2020.

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