PTI government reveals Rs 309 billion agriculture, livestock program
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ISLAMABAD - Government has designed Prime Minister Agriculture Emergency Program with allocation of 309 billion rupee to uplift agriculture and livestock sectors on modern lines.
The program is envisaged to boost local agricultural production, reduce dependence on imports and improve lives of poor farmers.
The initiative will lead the country towards sustainable development by exploring new agricultural markets, introducing new ways for soil and water conservation and promoting the aqua-culture farming in potential areas of the country.
The emergency program to be formally commenced by next month will revolutionize the output of major cash crops.
The initiative will also help in promoting the cultivation of minor crops like oil seed, pulses and high value fruit, vegetables and development of livestock sector.
The Central Development Working Party has approved 13 mega development projects conceived under emergency program, whereas the Executive Committee of National Economic Council is likely to accord final approval in its next meeting.
The Focal Person of Prime Minister Emergency Program Muhammad Ali Talpur said that out of the total 309 billion rupees' package, the federal government would provide 84 billion rupee while 225 billion rupees will be shared by the provincial governments.
He said special measures, will be introduced for energy, water conservation and pest management to reduce the cost of production.
Focal person said 220 billion rupees will be spent on the construction of small dams and development of water courses.
Meanwhile, Spokesman of Federal Ministry of National Food Security and Research Dr Javed Hammayun said that the government is also negotiating with China for its cooperation in development of agricultural and livestock sectors by sharing expertise and knowledge.
He said that a Joint Working Group of both the countries is formed under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor which would meet in October this year and finalize the areas of cooperation.
Dr Javed Hammayun said that in the JWG meeting, both the countries would finalize the cooperation in the areas of remote sensing technology, pre and post harvest handling and storage of agriculture commodities.
He said that Pakistan was also seeking Chinese expertise for fisheries and aquaculture development in order to exploit the huge fish farming potential in the country.
