KARACHI: The Sindh government has increased the amount for the growth of agricultural sector by 28.9 per cent to Rs5.8 billion for next fiscal year.
The provincial government, in its budget proposals, projected 24 percent rise in current revenue expenditures to Rs6.7 billion for the next fiscal year.
The government allocated Rs5.2 billion for foreign funded projects, including two billion rupees for Sindh agriculture growth project and three billion rupees for Sindh irrigated agriculture productivity enhancement project.
“The government fully appreciates the importance of agriculture and is cognizant of its duties towards this sector,” said Finance Minister Murad Ali Shah. “The provincial government is eager to develop farm sector to help reduce rural poverty and ensure food security.”
The budget proposed 18 new schemes with a total expenditure of Rs967.196 million. It has allocated Rs145.500 million for six agriculture extension projects and Rs590 million for five farm mechanisation and Rs141.696 million for four water management schemes. Besides, the ongoing schemes are to be completed at a cost of Rs4.826 billion.
The government planned to provide 1,500 agriculture implements to growers on 50 percent subsidised rates for promotion of mechanised farming.
The Sindh government also proposed installation of drip irrigation on 5,000 acres (40 percent by farmers and 60 percent by the province). Total 300 laser land leveling equipment will be provided on cost sharing basis.
