Minister stresses use of technology in agriculture

Terms agriculture backbone of our national economy

ISLAMABAD:

Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Friday stressed the need for adopting the latest techniques and technology in the agriculture sector to boost the economy of the country.

While chairing a meeting on the government's key initiative "Agricultural Revolution 2.0," the minister highlighted the significance of increased production of crops, saying that a revolution in this sector was needed to meet future challenges.

He said, "Agriculture is the backbone of the national economy”. He said prompt measures were being taken to prevent the agriculture sector from the negative impacts of climate change, besides promoting research and introducing modern technology for better production.

The minister said the country had immense potential to further progress in the agriculture sector. He further said there are bright prospects for exporting agricultural commodities and livestock to China and Middle East countries. "New projects are being launched to promote research and modern technology," he added.

Under the initiative, he said the government had planned to achieve self-sufficiency in agriculture sector. "We have to generate billions of dollars in exports from the agricultural sector.” Currently, Pakistan was importing agricultural commodities worth $10 billion annually, he added.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 3^rd, 2023.