‘Farm research key to progress’

MULTAN: Punjab Agriculture Secretary Wasif Khursheed on Sunday said that 568 new varieties of vegetables, fruits and other crops have been discovered so far under the agriculture research department.

The secretary expressed these views while chairing a meeting to review activities of the department. He directed the department to expedite research for on grains, vegetables and fruits while keeping in view the environmental changes so that a climate smart agriculture model could be given a practical shape.

He urged the department to play its role in bringing an agricultural revolution through modern research.

He recalled that agriculture contributes 20 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Wasif said 44% of Punjab’s total population and 65% of rural population’s employment is linked with agriculture. He said the economy could be improved by promoting high value agriculture in the province.

He added that promotion of agriculture sector was among the top priorities of the government. He an agriculture policy had been approved and uplift projects had also been implemented under it.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 16^th, 2020.