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Agri
sector be given top priority
LAHORE-Eminent agriculture expert
and former minister Sultan Ali Chaudhry has said successive
governments could not allocate ample resources for the
agriculture sector which is the backbone of the economy.
He was speaking at a function held here at a local hotel by
Elaf Club on Wednesday. He said that the governments had
failed to evolve any comprehensive mechanism for marketing
agriculture surpluses besides evolving effective water policy.
He maintained that the country can not make progress until the
agriculture sector was given due importance in policy making.
Among others, former technocrats and professionals attended
the function.
27-06-01
President
to meet urea producers
LAHORE–President General
Pervez Musharraf will hold a meeting with the urea
manufacturers next week, and urge them to absorb the impact of
levy of 15 per cent GST on the fertilizer in their profits.
This was stated by
Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz at a press conference here on
June 23. He said about 70 per cent urea producers were
government-owned plants. The meeting will also be attended by
the two private urea manufacturers as well. He said the
government was providing different incentives like subsidized
gas to urea producing plants "which should enable them to
absorb the impact of the new tax in their profits and keep the
prices at present level."
Courtesy Daily Dawn
Water shortage adversely affected agriculture sector
KARACHI-The Provincial Minister for Finance, Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, has said that water shortage in rivers has adversely affected the agriculture sector and keeping this in view, there is need to bring improvement in the irrigation system.
He said that by plugging of canal seepages and lining the water courses, the increase in water availability can be ensured. Presiding over a meeting regarding first phase of BOD's operation, maintenance, implementation and management plan here on June 22, the Minister directed that implementation of LBOD and RBOD projects be made meaningful so that their benefits could accrue the farmers in the province.
The Secretary Irrigation told the meeting on the occasion that 440 tubewells are being installed under the National Drainage Programme. The scheme will be completed in 18 months at a cost of Rs 350 million.
The Finance Minister gave approval to the installation of tubewells and called for assessment of real expenditure on operation and maintenance projects.
He also underlined the need for taking steps for better performance of tubewells so that these could accrue benefits to farmers on the one hand and promote agriculture on the other.
Punjab Cabinet briefed about cotton sowing
The Governor ordered action against selling of fake pesticides
LAHORE-Provincial Secretary Agriculture briefed the Punjab Cabinet about the latest position of cotton sowing in the province.
The Cabinet which met here on June 21 under the chairmanship of Governor Punjab, Lt Gen (retd) Muhammad Safdar was informed that despite 45 per cent shortage of canal water during early Kharif Season, the area under cotton cultivation in the province had increased by 5 per cent as compared to the corresponding period of last year due to the economic use of available water and better agronomy practices. For this purpose, in addition to the training of 55 lakh farmers at village level about latest techniques of cotton cultivation, protection of cotton crop against pest attack, guarding against its contamination during picking, an effective publicity campaign had also been launched through mass media for their guidance.
The Cabinet expressed its satisfaction over the fact that despite paucity of water, the target of cultivated area had been achieved. The Governor ordered strict action against the companies which were involved in providing fake, spurious and substandard pesticides in cotton producing areas.
Farmers
bodies unhappy over federal budget
LAHORE-Several farmers'
organisations expressed utter dissatisfaction over the
announcement of the Federal Budget 2000-2001 stating that the
government has failed in taking any concrete step for the
betterment of the farming community.
Detail
Fertilizer policy after approval,
says Shaukat
ISLAMABAD-Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz on
Tuesday said Fertilizer policy will be announced soon after
its approval by the Federal Cabinet.
Replying to a question at the post budget press conference,
the Minister said the policy is in final stages and cabinet
has already discussed it.
However, some aspects of the policy require
more consideration so the Chief Executive had constituted a
cabinet committee under the chairmanship of Finance Minister
to take final decision on it, he added. As soon the committee
finalises its report the new fertilizer policy would be
announced, he concluded.
Agri sector's
share in GDP increases
ISLAMABAD Agriculture faced a
negative growth in 2000-2001 due to drought conditions,
according to the economic managers who put together the
Economic Survey 2000-2001. Detail
Drought
downs growth to 2.6 pc
ISLAMABAD. The
continuing drought and water shortages reversed the rising
trend in agricultural output with the result that real GDP
growth fell below its potential path, Finance Minister Shaukat
Aziz, flanked by Dr Ashfaque Hasan Khan Economic Adviser to
the Finance Ministry and author of Economic Survey, told
reporters at a Press conference Thursday.
Detail
Agri sector
records negative 2.5pc growth
ISLAMABAD: The
government has recorded a negative 2.5 per cent growth in the
agriculture sector this year but expects a two per cent growth
next financial year, data presented to the chief executive
shows. This data, presented by the finance ministry at a
special recent briefing to the chief executive, shows 7.8, 7.1
and 3.5 per cent growth in the manufacturing (large scale),
manufacturing and other sectors respectively for the year
2000-2001.
Detail
Food Ministry may get additional Rs 3bn
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry
of Finance has assured the provision of additional Rs 3
billion to the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock (Minfal)
for its annual development programme in the coming budget for
the fiscal 2001-2002.
Detail
Drought-affected areas to get Rs 250m
LAHORE–The Punjab Government has
extended the Evening School Scheme to the entire province,
thereby, paving the way for the upgradation of thousands of
primary schools.
The decision to
this effect has been taken in the meeting of Punjab cabinet
here on Monday at the Civil Secretariat.
Detail
Punjab not taking extra
water, the scarcity is genuine, says CE Gen Pervez Musharraf
Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf on Friday (June 01)
said that allegations of taking extra water by Punjab was not
true, but on the contrary Punjab had given approximately two
lakh cusecs of water to Sindh from its share. "Trust me
as I am telling you the truth that scarcity of water is
genuine," he added. Detail
Pak-Japan collaboration in
the field of agricultural research. Back
to the Top
Japan and Pakistan will
collaborate in the field of agricultural research.
This was disclosed in a high-level meeting held at the
Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC). The meeting was
presided over by the Chairman, PARC, Dr. Umar Khan Baloch. It
is to be noted that a four-member Japanese Aftercare Study
Mission headed by Dr. Kazutoshi Okuno visited Pakistan from
May 7-16, to evaluate the performance and achievements,
feasibility and necessity of implementation of the Aftercare
Program at Genetic Resources Preservation and Research
Laboratory (GRP&RL) at the National Agricultural Research
Centre (NARC), and assess its future needs of technical
cooperation with Japan.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Umar Khan Baloch expressed
satisfaction over the activities being carried out at Plant
Genetic Research Institute (PGRI) NARC. He hoped that this
collaboration will help up-grade the existing laboratory which
was established with the Japanese assistance in Pakistan in
1993 in the field of agricultural research through conserving
the genetic resources of different crop species on long-term
as well as short term basis. Dr. Baloch said that after
completion of the project on a turnkey basis, the JICA
supported it through provision of experts services,
counterpart training in Japan and provision of equipment for a
period of five years under the project type technical
cooperation.
During their stay the Mission held discussion with the
research staff of the GRP& RL, officials of the PARC, the
Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, Economic Affairs
Division and briefed them on the results of their findings.
The Mission signed the Minutes of meeting with the PARC on
Wednesday for replacing the damaged equipment, as well as
providing new equipment and provision of JICA experts, under
the Aftercare Program. (May 16 )
Government
will establish drought relief and management centers.
Back
to the Top
M. Shafi Niaz, Advisor to Chief Executive on Food and Agriculture Friday said drought relief and management centers may be established particularly in Barani Areas to facilitate the farmers.
These crisis centers, to be set up by the federal as well as provincial government, would monitor the prevailing situation and coordinate with farmers to mitigate their sufferings.
Detail.
Sindh Irrigation officials end inspection.
Back
to the Top
The officials of Sindh Irrigation Department on Saturday, concluded their visit-cum-inspection of different barrages situated on Indus River amid murmurs of disapproval by the Punjab bureaucracy.
The Punjab Government officials so far unable to understand to the logic behind the 'visit', as being called by the Sindh officials.
Detail.
New Fisheries policy in the offing.
Back
to the Top
The government is formulating a fisheries policy to be announced this year, said Advisor to Chief Executive on Food and Agriculture Shafi Niaz.
In a PTV programme, Shafi Niaz who is also the Chairman of National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) said a committee formed by NFDB is getting recommendations from people related to fisheries to draft a policy.
The committee would formulate the draft policy within three to four months and present it to the federal cabinet for approval.
Sindh Irrigation Department re-inspect barrages located in Punjab.
Back
to the Top
A team of Sindh Irrigation Department Friday started their visit of all major barges situated in Punjab in order to monitor the implementation of water distribution plan of IRSA.
The team, comprising Chief Engineers of Sukkur Barrage, Guddu Barrage and Development Cell of Sindh Irrigation Department, will visit Jinnah (Kalabagh), Chashma and Taunsa barrages. The sources were of the view that apparently the visit was meant to get first hand knowledge of the position on the ground as far as the water distribution arrangements are concerned.
Detail.
It may be mentioned that Sindh Irrigation Secretary, on April 17, conducted a surprise inspection of Taunsa Barrage following complaints that the Punjab was involved in water theft. However, reportedly, he found no such violation of water distribution plan of IRSA.
Later, he visited the other three barrages located in Punjab. The sources said that successive inspection are being conducted despite the presence of Sindh irrigation officials at four barrages situated on Indus River in the territory of Punjab since 1971. While, an Xen of the Sindh Irrigation Department, has been appointed at the offices of Punjab Irrigation Department to monitor the overall implementation of the plan.
Punjab Agriculture Minister extends support for promotion of latest
Agri-technology. Back
to the Top
The government would provide full support to every organization working for transfer of technology, practical training of agri-scientists and promotion of latest technology to meet the demands of the modern age.
This was stated by provincal Agriculture Minister Khurshid Zaman while talking to delegation headed by Director General, International Center for Agriculture Research in Dry Areas, Dr. Adel-El-Beltagy. The Minister said that development of water management, human resources and skills are the top priorities of the government.
Detail.
Water shortage to effect wheat production in next rabi season.
Back
to the Top
Drastic reduction in wheat production is predicted in northern and central Punjab during the next rabi season if IRSA decides to use the water of Mangla Dam during the ongoing kharif season, as stressed by Sindh and Balouchistan.
According to official agriculture and irrigation experts, the 13 million acre of northern and central Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Gujranwala and Lahore divisions, will face acute shortage of canal water during the rabi 2001-2 season owing to the fact that the area could only be fed by Mangla command canals.
Detail.
Decision to double loans for farmers.
Back
to the Top
A meeting on contingency management of drought impacts under Agriculture Minister Khair Muhammad Junejo, has resolved to seek Water and Power Development Authority's help in terms of subsidizing the electric power for tubewells.
Sources privy to the meeting told The Nation that the meeting held on Saturday decided that in order to mitigate the effects of the worst ever drought faced by the country, the Wapda should come up with some package for the farmers as far as electricity charges on the agri-tubewells are concerned.Detail.
Top
priority to water projects, says Shaukat.Back
to the Top
Federal government has
accorded priority to Balochistan in its development and
attention is being paid on water related projects in
Balochistan.
This was stated by Federal
Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz while speaking to members of
Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Quetta .
He said we are negotiating
with China and other friendly countries to start one of the
mega project of Balochistan such as Gwadur Deep sea port,
coastal highway, Hingole and Mirani dams, Kachhi Canal.
He said federal government
would push resources for these projects.
He said whatever steps are being taken in Balochistan, they
are not at the cost of any other province.
He said provincial Governor
Mengal and Corps Commander are very keen for the development
of this province and they take up Balochistan's question at
the Federal level very effectively.
Besides Chief Executive
General Pervez Musharraf has visited Balochistan several times
with small intervals but one thing is clear, our resources are
very meagre.
SBP raises indicative per acre credit limit.
Back
to Top
Agricultural Credit Advisory Committee (ACAC) of the State Bank of Pakistan, in order to meet the genuine credit needs of the farmers enhanced the per acre credit limit for major agricultural crops with immediate effect.
Referring to its circular no. ACD/2567-2573/PD(P)-08/2000, dated October, 2000 and circular No ACD/254-260/PD(P)-08/2001 dated February 2001, SBP asked ABL, HBL, MCB, NBP, UBL, ADBP and Federal Bank for Cooperatives to issue necessary instructions to this effect on priority basis to all branches and provincial Cooperative banks for compliance.
As per decision of ACAC, sugarcane limit has been enhanced from Rs 5000 to Rs 8,000, Paddy from rs 2,500 to Rs 4,500, Wheat from Rs 2,500 to Rs 4,000 ( The limit will be Rs 5,000 if thrashers are borrowed/rented by the farmers for wheat crop), Cotton from Rs 4,000 to Rs 6,000, Potato from rs 9,000 to Rs 11,000, Tobacco from Rs 7,000 to Rs 9,000 while other crops will remain as per actual cost.
150,000 tubewells to meet water crisis. Back
to the Top
Chairman WAPDA Lt Gen (R) Zulfiqar Ali Khan has said that the Authority has proposed to meet the immediate water crisis through the working of 150,000 tubewells in Punjab and North West Frontier Province above their normal working hours.
"This additional water pumped can be diverted to either Sindh or Punjab depending on the sowing season and demand," he told news agency on Wednesday.
The WAPDA chief also outlined long-term solutions, including construction of small dams, to avoid the devastating phenomenon of segmentation, which lead to a substantial decrease in the storage capacity. Millions of tones of silt in the Mangla and Tarbela dams had lowered the capacity of storage.
Gen. Zulfiqar said the water shortage followed three major water reservoir-Tarbela, Mangla and Chashma-sedimentation, which had occupied 24 per cent capacity of the reservoirs by the year 2000.
He further said, Pakistan is already a water-deficient country due to a lack of adequate storage capacity, sedimentation of reservoirs and drought.
Pakistan is a water-short, land-rich country where rapidly increasing population, depleting on-line storages, large escapages of uncontrolled flood flows into sea cause shortages.
Lt. Gen. Zulfiqar referred to the only cure to meet the shortage was through water resource development and said: "The Wapda has prepared a Vision-2025 programme." He said the Mangla dam could be raised by 40 feet which is technically and economically feasible and that could provide an additional 3.10 million acres feet of water, increase energy output by 18 percent from the existing power plant, resettle 45,000 people in 8,500 houses.
Punjab Minister warns of Pesticides Adulteration.
Back to
Top
The businessmen dealing in spurious pesticides are enemy of agriculture and government will combat this menace with iron hand.
This was stated by Khursid Zaman Qureshi here while talking to a delegation of farmers. He said that besides the government’s efforts for the agriculture development, private sector must play its role with honestly and sincerely. He said that without getting the license from the provincial Agriculture Department, businessmen of poisonous agriculture pesticides would not be allowed for business whereas dealership certificate is essential for the business with private registered companies/distributors.
Provincial minister urged the farmers that they should point out the persons involved in this business so that they should be punished for doing such atrocious business. He said that the persons who sold spurious and adulterated agriculture pesticides would be strictly dealt by the government.
Govt
to provide loans to farmers.
Back to Top
The government would provide
loans to the farmers for the uplift of the agriculture sector
along with the raising of water resources.
This
was stated by the provincial Agriculture Minister, Khurshid
Zaman Qureshi in a TV interview here on Friday. He said that
keeping in view the shortage of water, government is
persuading the farmers for the use of tube well and cemented
watercourses and available resources would be utilised for
this purpose.
Plan
to ensure sufficient cotton crop. Back
to Top
In a bid to maintain the last
year’s area under cotton cultivation, provincial government
has formulated a plan to ensure sufficient cotton production
during the upcoming kharif season.
An official of the provincial
Agriculture Department said that the main thrust of
government’s plan is to make cotton sowing possible at
maximum area. By following the strategy, we might be
successful to achieve the last year’s crop volume, provided
that the water availability should not further reduce in the
first three month of the season coupled with conducive weather
condition.
He said that despite water shortage,
Pakistan may harvest sufficient cotton crop this year by
modifying the crop pattern, giving preference to cultivate
cotton which consumed less water than rice and sugarcane.
“We are bound to give preference to cotton crop as the whole
textile sector is depending on the cotton,” he said and
added, “there are sufficient sugar and rice stock available
in the country, therefore, we should not bother about their
shortage in near future.
He said the non-traditional cotton
zone, comprising Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Sing, Pakpattan,
Okara and Sahiwal, was the area where cotton could be sown at
maximum area. He said if availability of canal water does not
further deteriorate, the crop size might be increased by 5-10
per cent.
In addition to it, the Agriculture
Department was also advising the cotton growers to sow 25-30
thousand plant per acre against the traditional 15-20 thousand
plant population. By doing this, he said, the possible
shortfall in area under cultivation can be avoided besides
eliminating weeds growth in fields.
Meanwhile, in order to harvest a
good crop, an agriculture expert said that pre-emergence
application of herbicides is must for the better growth of
cotton plants. He also stressed to use DAP during sowing.
For conserving water during sowing
of cotton, the expert said, instead of applying two soakings
for land preparation, light irrigation may be given before the
first soaking. He said that deficiency of water could
adversely affect the cotton during flowering stage.
Kissan Board criticizes
Govt decision on GST.
Back to Top
Kissan Board Pakistan (KBP) has strongly criticized the imposition of
GST on agriculture inputs as it would 20 per cent increase the cost of the
farmers. This was said by Secretary General KBP Mian Muhammad Ilyas in a
statement issued here on Saturday. He said that the financial condition of
farming community has already been dwindled saying that the increase would hit
hard the farmers.
Ultimately, he added, the production of major crops would
also reduce considerably. He demanded of the government to withdraw the decision immediately so
that growers could effectively play their due role in the progress of the
country.
Special
design of tractor trolley to be introduced.
Back to Top
Under the special direction of Punjab Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Muhammad Safdar, a special design of tractor trolley will be introduced in the province.
It was disclosed in a high level meeting with Punjab Chief Secretary Imtiaz Masrur in the chair. The meeting was attended by the Chairman Governor's Inspection Team, Secretary Transport and Commissioner Lahore Division and DIG Traffic.
The meeting was told that trolleys were causing eight to 13 per cent highway accidents as they were not properly designed and manufactured under required traffic rules. The Chief Secretary constituted a technical committee comprising of the representatives of Transport, Agriculture and Communication Departments for approving a suitable design of trolleys specifying their width, height, suitable brake system and back lights.
The Chief Secretary directed the DIG to take necessary action against overloading overspeeding and addict driver.
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