MULTAN: The government is trying to decrease production cost on agriculture farming with the aim to enhance profit of the growers.
This was stated by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Haji Sikandar Hayat Bosan, while speaking at a seminar on “pink bollworm management” at the Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI) Multan. He said that the government reduced the price of DAP and reduced GST on pesticides down to 7.5 per cent to benefit farmers. He said more reduction in prices of agriculture inputs would be announced in the coming years. Bosan said that the Seed Act and Plant Breeders Rights Bill would also be tabled before Parliament soon.
Textile Ministry’s Senior Joint Secretary Rubina Wasti said pink bollworm damaged cotton crop this year. She said that increased export of cotton and its products to international markets, like the EU, can revolutionise national economy. She said the textile ministry was taking steps to ensure that the damage from the pink bollworm is reduced next year.
Cotton commissioner Dr Khalid Abdullah said unexpected rains damaged cotton in Punjab and sensing losses, farmers also took least interest in crop care that led to increased infestation of pink bollworm, white fly and other pests.
The experts also prepared a set of recommendations for proper pink bollworm management. They advised farmers to bury cotton sticks and its remains after the completion of picking process. If they need sticks as fuel wood, they should store it in the open so that sunlight kills pests.
Farmers should not begin cotton sowing before May 1. In case of BT cotton sowing, farmers should apply suitable pesticide against pink bollworm.
CCRI Multan Director Syed Sajid Masud Shah, Dr Mohammad Naveed, Haji Mohammad Rafiq, Dr Shahnawaz Khoro, Mushtaq Ali Leghari and progressive growers also spoke.
