KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has announced to enhance allocation for agriculture sector to Rs 14.3 billion Rs12.75 billion in budget 2017/2018.
He said that targets for agricultural sector for next financial year are:
- Assistance of Rs 500 million for purchase of Wheel type tractors will be provided to farmers.
- 555 Agriculture Implements will be provided during financial year 2017-18.
- Rs 100 million for Provision of small Agriculture Power Tiller/ Paddy Reaper and Tillage equipment on subsidized cost.
- For provision of Power Drilling Rigs Machine on hire charges basis Rs 100 million have been earmarked.
- Rs 200 million for strengthening of capacity of staff of Agriculture Engineering.
- Provision of 141 Nos. Solar Pumps.
- Construction/ rehabilitation of Agriculture Extension Offices in Sindh at a cost of Rs 100 million.
- Rs 75 million for Provision of Combined Harvester, Wheat and Paddy on 50% subsidyto farmers in Sindh
- 02 Controlled Atmospheric Store and 02 Hot Water Treatment Plant will be installed on farmer’s field under the subsidy scheme “Preservation and storage facility of fruit and vegetable through Hot Water Treatment and Controlled Atmospheric Store.
Livestock and Fisheries sector is another sector that has the potential to improve life standards in rural Sindh. The demand for a vibrant livestock and fisheries sector is felt globally and we have opportunity to avail this opportunity.
A robust sector will not only improve food security within the country but will also provide avenues to increase exports. Apart from the ADP of Rs 1.7 billion, we are launching a scheme primarily targeted to alleviate poverty through backyard dairy farming.
Dairy animals under this highly-subsidized Rs 1 billion program will be provided to women entrepreneurs through Sindh Microfinance Bank along with free livestock insurance coverage. The project will have a positive bearing on the dairy sector and will increase female participation in formal economy.
