In next 3 years,we need to move from low value crop to high level crop.Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research,Syed Fakhar Imam said this during chairing a meeting on PSDP projects of Agricultural Projects in Punjab on Wednesday.Chief Planner,Agriculture Department Punjab,Mr.Nadeem Akhtar briefed Federal Minister about approved 40 agriculture schemes.Syed Fakhar Imam added that Agricultural initiatives require fuller coordination between federal and provincial authorities. They require effective and transparent implementation.He was of the point of the view that Per-hectare yields, already far below global and regional averages, either rise too slowly or don’t rise at all.It was also discussed in meeting that World Bank and Asian Development Bank has promised USD 200 mn and USD 15 respectively and there is a component of Punjab in it.Federal Minister said that there must be a proper business plan for developing modern markets at DG Khan,Rawalpindi and Lahore.Syed Fakhar Imam said the the new tissue culture lab in Bahawalpur must be replicated in field for date palm.He also asked Punjab department to develop projects that can use Chinese technological transfer in agricultural field.Federal Minister said that it is the need of time to focus on applied research.Resultantly there must be development of human resource.Pakistan need to develop itsown research base for reducing dependence on import.He was of the point of view that a window for organic agriculture shall be developed at federal and provincial level.
