ISLAMABAD: Minister for National Food Security and Research Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan has rejected All Pakistan Textile Mills Association’s (Aptma) demand for duty-free cotton import, saying, such imports will be permitted until and unless all the locally produced cotton is sold completely.
While talking to media, he said better cotton crop is expected this year than previous year. “We are fully aware of problems of small cotton growing farmers and through media we humbly request that our message may be communicated in a befitting manner nationwide to all farmers especially cotton growers,” he added.
While answering a question the minister said that the country would have surplus wheat, rice and other pulses. “We will be positively supporting and fulfilling any international demand of wheat export if properly and officially communicated to us,” he said and informed that agricultural research is improving day by day.
As agro based industries are also including in CPEC, therefore, the ministry is being kept on board regarding every concerned and relevant sector. Similarly as the CPEC is for the progress and development of all Pakistan without any discrimination, therefore, all the information and decisions taken in any relevant area is duly communicated to the provinces.
