ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Industries and Production Ghulam Murtaza Jatoi on Tuesday said the subsidy package worth Rs 20 billion on Phosphatic and Potassic Fertilizers, specifically diammonium phosphate (DAP) would provide relief to farmers across the country.
Chairing a meeting along with Minister for National Food Security and Research Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan with the farming community and stakeholders, the minister briefed participants on the implementation of a substantive subsidy package which will provide relief to farmers all across Pakistan.
He stated a mechanism had to be evolved to ensure that the subsidy actually reaches the farmers.
He also mentioned that the government announced in the Federal Budget 2015-16 a subbsidy of Rs. 20 billion on Phosphatic and Potassic Fertilizers.
During the meeting various proposals were discussed to reach consensus on a viable arrangement that could ensure transparency as well as high visibility and enforcement of the initiative.
The Ministry reiterated that pricing must be made prominent and transparent by all fertilizer companies and they must ensure provision of updated price lists to dealers who will guarantee their prominent display.
Moreover, any change in price will be communicated by companies to provincial governments and National Fertilizer Development Centers (NFDCs).
The Minister stressed the companies need to make sure that the dealers refrain from overcharging and appropriate action must be taken against dealers who have overcharged farmers.
The Minister added the Ministry of Industries and Production and Ministry of National Food Security and Research will encourage maximum number of importers and producers to maintain supply thrust.
He also hailed efforts by all parties in working towards a long-term direct mechanism to disburse subsidies to farmers by registering farmers and such deliberations will pave the way for independent and successful Pakistani farmers.
