ISLAMABAD: Minister for National Food Security and Research (NFS&R) Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan on Thursday said that the federal government has set-up a committee to communicate with the provincial governments to bring down the prices of agriculture inputs.
“Cost of production should be reduced to revive agriculture sector that would definitely promote economic growth,” the minister said while addressing the Kinnow Grand Export Celebrations-2015 organised in Sargodha with an aim to acknowledge the service of growers, exporters and other attached sectors that helped historic growth in the exports of citrus fruit.
The Event was organised by All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants’ Association, according to a statement received here.
Sikandar Hayat Bosan said that after the passage of 18th Amendment in the constitution, the agriculture has become the provincial subject, so the provincial governments have to take all decision to promote agriculture sector.
He added that if general sales and other taxes on agriculture inputs are reduced, it will benefit the growers to a great extent.
The minister said that investment in agriculture sector was imperative for the survival, urging the participants to choose those representatives only who can become their voice and raise their issues at the higher forums.
He congratulated the kinnow exporters for historic growth in the exports of citrus fruit, however urged that its benefits should also go to the growers and farmers.
Speaking on the occasion, National Assembly’s Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research (NFS&R) Chairman Malik Shakir Bashir Awan urged the farmers to follow the advises of scientists for enhancing quality agriculture production.
In his address, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) Chairman Dr Iftikhar Ahmad said that the PARC will always facilitate and coordinate with the farmers to help them produce healthy crop.
