Punjab can be the leader in the country's agriculture.This was said by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research(NFSR),Syed Fakhar Imam while meeting the delegation of Agriculture Department, Punjab on Thursday.The meeting focussed on priority areas in agricultural development for next 3 years, particularly related to cotton,wheat,pulses,maize,sugarcane,oilseed,
livestock and fisheries.
Syed Fakhar Imam said that Federal and Provincial governments need to do qualitative and harmonize efforts in agricultural sector.Syed Fakhar Imam was of the point of that as per Rules of Business, NFS&R is a policy planner for country's agriculture and despite 18th amendment, NFS&R and provincial agricultural departments must work in harmony.He added that we need to modernize our seed technology of major crops.He added that we need to identify 48000 tonnes of verified cotton seed for better yield.We are trying to evaluate 4 lakh quality wheat seeds and will try to give them to the farmer for increasing production.We need to develop niche markets in agriculture
Secretary Agriculture Punjab,Wasif Khurshid mentioned that we need to formulate vegetable policy.The arrangement of wheat seed for the sowing of next wheat crop was discussed. The total requirement of Punjab is 8 lakh tonnes.Punjab side mentioned that quality seed will be identified and proper campaign will be done for its sowing.The campaign will focus on the fake seed and adulterated pesticides.Provincial government will also give subsidy.Seed and pesticide quality has been a significant concern at all levels which need to be considered.There are approximately 8 wheat varieties which are rust resistant.
Secretary Agriculture mentioned that Punjab Seed Corporation need to be revitalized in the provision of cotton,wheat and pulse seed. NFSR consented for modernizing the corporation.There was a detailed discussion on implementation of the Cotton Control Act 1966 in true spirit, especially section 13 marking of bale,section 16 prohibition of admixture, section 21 growing a particular variety,section 26 regulation of price and section 27 grading and marketing of cotton.Discussion also focussed on improved pest scouting and timely dissemination of information,considering elevated White Fly(WF) and Pink Bull Worm(PBW).New technologies in extension service can also be helpful.
Punjab is the leading player in agriculture and has an edge on being a pioneer in modern agriculture practices in many areas The diversity and hardworking farmers are known for converting every inch of land into the green.For this reason any change in productivity in Punjab directly affects the national productivity in that commodity.NFSR will recommend a short and medium term plan to Government to improve growth rate of agriculture and enhance country's overall productivity.
