Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam called a meeting on major issues and concerns of the farmers of the country today on 4th February, 2022. The meeting was attended by the Secretary Ministry of National Food Security and Research Mr. Tahir Khursheed and other senior officials of the ministry. Minister said that the purpose of the forum is to address and resolve all the issues of the farmers. He said that he was the biggest supporter of the farmers community and aims to pro-actively address their concerns. Fakhar said that this forum will hold bi-weekly meeting to ensure proper monitoring and evaluation of the status on ground. Fakhar said that there are 8.4 million farmers in the country and that agriculture sector is the backbone of Pakistan. Minister discussed numerous cost of production issues such as availability of certified seed, availability and prices of fertilizer, GST on implements, electricity tariff etc. Private sector which included farmers from all provinces aired their concerns which the minister vowed to address. Imam said awareness is critical in achieving higher productivity in agri-sector. He said by facilitating the farmers our agriculture sector can take off. Minister said that environmental factors are not in control of the government, however, all other dynamics of the sector can be and will be regulated by the government in order to create a conducive environment for the growers. 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 creating 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. Secretary agriculture of all provinces, representatives from ministry of commerce, power division and industries and production were also in attendance. Minister said that MET department, FBR and IRSA should also be included in this forum to make it more effective. Minister said that this forum should be formalized for a year with bi-weekly mandatory meetings to ensure effective checks on the cost of production in the agriculture sector.
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