Islamabad, February 03, 2022 (PPI-OT):Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Mohib ullah Khan visited the Agriculture Research Institute, Tarnab, and Peshawar. Fakhar Imam said that the present government is using all its resources to provide maximum facilities farmers as it seeks to increase domestic production in agriculture.

He said that the PTI government is playing a critical role in facilitating the Research Centres in helping the farmers increase their productivity. Numerous projects started in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under National Agriculture Emergency Program are very important for sustainable development in agriculture and livestock sector.

Fakhar said that the Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision in agriculture and livestock sector rests on Sustainability which will directly benefit the poor farmers, cattle breeders and farmers. Under the Agriculture Transformation Program, fertilizers and seed subsidy, innovation in the field of agriculture and upgradation of institutions are at the forefront.

Minister said that Rs. 8 BN subsidy has been given in fertilizers to accommodate the farmer. In addition, he said that 40,000 tonne of wheat is daily released at the minimum support price to ensure wheat prices remain low for the general populace.

Fakhar was briefed by the agriculture secretary KPK that out of 5 lakh registered farmers 1 lakh have been given the Kissan Card and Rs. 475 MN has been paid out. Fakhar said that agriculture engineering is the future. He said that most machinery is being imported in Pakistan and it is time that we look towards import substitution to cater to the import and export divide.

Fakhar was briefed that Agriculture Research Institute Tarnab’s 50% scientists are PhDs. Fakhar said that the scientists need to perform their duties as the future of the country rests on their shoulder. He said that he wants to act as a catalyst in motivating the scientists so that they can push the country forward.

Federal and Provincial Minister visited ARI Tarnab Peshawar in detail and inspected various testing laboratories and sections and inquired from the staff about the work. In the briefing, ADP, AIP, Gomal Zam Dam, Command Aria Development, establishment of Agricultural and Veterinary Universities and other important projects were discussed in great detail.

The Federal and Provincial Minister said that improvement and development of agriculture sector can play an important role in the economy of any country. This sector has been facing difficulties and stagnation for the last several years. Provincial Minister for Agriculture Mohib ullah Khan said that we have made significant progress in this project for the last three years and we have achieved the targets of the last several years in just two years.

Fakhar said that around 6-10% of total gross milk production of the country is being processed in the country which is inadequate. One of the main reasons of low production of processed milk dairy products is the imported costly packaging material. Local production of packaging material will improve and enhance the affordability and consumption of processed dairy milk products in Pakistan. Fakhar assured every support to the provincial government in taking the agriculture sector forward. Secretary Agriculture and Livestock Dr. Muhammad Israr, Director General Agriculture Research Dr. Abdul Rauf were also present on the occasion.

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