‘Modern agricultural practices a must’
National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf. Photo: Twitter/@NAofPakistan
Speaker of the National Assembly (NA), Raja Pervez Ashraf, highlighted the significance of adopting modern, sustainable, and scientific agricultural practices for Pakistan’s future food security and economic development. In a meeting with President Kissan Ittehad Council, Khalid Mehmood Khokhar, Ashraf stressed the need to develop practical solutions and initiatives to improve the agricultural sector and ensure the welfare of farmers, considering them essential for the country’s sustained progress.
The NA speaker expressed that the current administration’s key priorities include addressing the problems faced by farmers and advancing the agriculture sector. While farmers are given subsidies for agricultural inputs, he acknowledged the necessity for further initiatives to tackle the challenges arising from high input costs and climate change.
Highlighting the importance of farmer-friendly policies, Ashraf said that they would significantly strengthen the country’s agriculture sector, which serves as a cornerstone of overall development. He also recognised the efforts of the Special Committee on Agricultural Products of the NA in understanding the issues faced by farmers and growers, particularly regarding crucial crops such as cotton.
Committing to address farmers’ concerns, Ashraf assured his commitment to bringing these matters to the attention of relevant forums. He hinted at arranging a meeting between farmers and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, stressing the need for a collaborative approach to resolving the challenges faced by the agricultural community.
Acknowledging Pakistan’s status as an agricultural country that is forced to import essential food items like wheat and sugar, Ashraf emphasised the urgent need to enhance productivity within the country. Dependence on imports has had a significant impact on agricultural production, making it crucial to devise a comprehensive plan for the improvement of the agriculture sector.
The meeting concluded with Ashra’s strong commitment to prioritise the concerns of farmers and agriculture in the upcoming annual budget.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 7th, 2023.
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