Balochistan to distribute free rice seeds from April 15

Balochistan Minister for Agriculture Mir Asadullah Baloch on Friday said that free of charge rice seeds would be distributed among farmers from April 15 in five districts of Naseerabad Division.

“The Balochistan Agriculture Department distributed free wheat seeds throughout the province last year. Now, the supply of free seeds for rice, the main crop of autumn, will be ensured,” the minister said while addressing a meeting on Friday. The meeting was attended by Agriculture Secretary Umaid Ali Khokhar and other officials.

The minister observed that due to the monsoon rains in Balochistan last year, the agriculture and livestock sectors suffered a lot of damage to gardens, crops, vegetables and agricultural lands, which was estimated to be around Rs300 billion.

The Balochistan Agriculture Department has launched a campaign for free supply of wheat seeds in September and October to provide relief to the farmers and to get them back on their feet after the devastating flash floods.

The minister said that despite severe financial difficulties, the provincial government made arrangements for the free supply of wheat seeds, the most important crop in the entire province for the revival of agriculture.

“Committees have been formed in each district under the leadership of the deputy commissioners (DCs) to ensure the distribution of wheat seeds in a transparent manner,” he added.

He shared that with the support of Asian Development Bank (ADB), a plan has been devised for free supply of rice seeds in five districts of Naseerabad Division.

The survey has been completed and the rice seeds will be distributed free of cost from April 15, he added.

Agriculture Secretary Khokhar informed the participants that with the efforts of the Agriculture Minister Asadullah and the provincial government, all available resources were being utilised for the development of agriculture.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 25^th, 2023.