IRSA predicts 54pc water shortage for Rabi season


LAHORE_The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) has predicted 48 to 54 per cent shortage of water for the Rabi 2001-02 season, which means drastic cut in supply to all the provinces.Detail

Livestock deptt asked to speed up research

HYDERABAD-Sindh Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Hassan Ali Chaniho has directed the officers of Livestock department to carry out research work to eradicate the animal disease.

During the visit of Central Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Tando Jam on September 22, the minister while addressing the officers and other technical staff of the Livestock department advised them to gear up their research work for evolving effective treatment of the livestock so that the animals could be saved from widespread disease.

He informed that the government was actively considering to provide advanced training to veterinary doctors, technical and field staff of the department in order to increase the livestock production in the province. He directed the officers of the department to conduct a detailed survey of the livestock of the province and also establish an effective reporting system at district level in order to eradicate the livestock diseases at the earliest. The minister emphasised the need of the activation of Central Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and advised the officer to have close liaison with dairy farmers, breeders and livestock owners and motivate them to take preventive measures against the animal diseases.

Sindh Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock, Abdul Rasheed Memon while quoting the animal census report 1996, informed that minister about the availability of 25.383 million animals in Sindh province.He informed that besides the central veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, the sub-centres are also functioning in Karachi, Dadu, Sukkur, Larkana, Mithi and Naushero Feroze. The opening of sub-centres in other districts of the province is also under active consideration, he said. The Director General, Livestock and Fisheries, Dr. Ghulam Muhammed Memon informed the minister that the Laboratory has obtained 19,353 animals samples and received samples of 6,123 animals from other sources during the current financial year. During examination of 25,475 samples, the Laboratory found 6067 samples affected with germs of different diseases, he said. September 22, 2001

Irrigation, Food departmenta to remain under provincial govt

RAWALPINDI-Under the new Devolution plan only four departments in the district would function under the provincial government while the rest would be answerable to the District Nazim ,Rawalpindi.These four departments include Information Department, Irrigation
Department, Food Department and the Forest Department, official sources said here on Saturday.The remaining twelve departments include agriculture,health, education, labour, finance and planning, revenue,Information Technology, community development, works and services law and order, law department, human resources development and others.

These would be under the administrative control of the District Nazim through the District Co-ordination Officer, Rawalpindi.The Naib Nazim of the District Rawalpindi will act as Speaker of the District Assembly. The members of the District Assembly include 244 elected Nazims of all Union Councils, lady councillors, minority members and the councillors elected on
peasants/workers seat. September 22, 2001

Fire in ADBP's regional headquarter

KARACHI-A fire broke out in the PMT of Agriculture Development Bank of Pakistan (ADBP) here on September 22 due to damage of main electric cable.Acording to fire brigade sources, the fire was caused by a short circuit at about 8:15 a.m. Fire tenders from Sohrab Goth were rushed to the site and controlled the fire. ABDP's regional office is located in Gulistan-e-Jauher. Fire fighters said that no damaged to building furniture was caused and office record was safe. ABDP sources said that no staffer was hurt in the fire.September 22, 2001

FAO launches biotechnology Web site

FAO has recently launched a Web site highlighting the role of biotechnology in food and agriculture. The site presents an overview of FAO’s activities in the area, including the organization’s official statement on biotechnology. It also provides an introduction to biotechnology in the agro-industry, crop, fisheries, forestry and livestock sectors and a list of news items and events. In addition, the site contains an e-mail forum on biotechnology in food and agriculture, a biotechnology glossary and links to other relevant sites.

Biotechnology is a collection of diverse tools that are increasingly being used in agriculture, forestry, fisheries and nutrition. In line with its mandate, FAO can provide its member countries with policy advice on biotechnology issues related to food and agriculture, assistance on specific technologies and legal and technical advice on regulatory issues. FAO also plays an active part in exchange and dissemination of information relating to biotechnology and its potential impacts.

The biotechnology Web site, accessible from the FAO home page, is a resource for policy makers, NGOs and others interested in the subject. It is available in Arabic, Chinese, English, French and Spanish. 22 September 2001
For details:  http://www.fao.org

Bans on Japanese beef to hurt Japanese cuisine fans

TOKYO-Six nations have banned Japanese beef following the country's first mad cow scare, but a national beef cooperative said Wednesday that as exports are minimal, the move will only affect lovers of Japanese cuisine. Detail

Veterinary Service project to cost Rs. 873.589 million

ISLAMABAD-The government has decided to launch a Veterinary Service project involving an amount of Rs. 873.589 million to counter animal diseases including FMD in the country. According to Official sources the Executive Committee on National Economic Council (ECNEC) has given approval of the project which was prepared by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock (MINFAL).

The sources added that prevalence of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is non-existent in the country because our stock is relatively more resistant to the disease. About protective measures, he said, Mass Vaccination is an expensive method of control as it requires two vaccinations in a year of all the cloven footed population in the country along with strict zoo-sanitary measures.

In the Ring Vaccination method, vaccine is applied to cloven footed animals up to 3-10 km depth around confirmed outbreak of FMD. Restriction on import from infected areas is practised in FMD countries with different strains.Foot and Mouth disease (FMD) is an extremely contagious,acute disease of all cloven-footed animals, caused by a virus
and characterized by fever and a vesicular eruption in the mouth and on the feet.

The local stock is relatively resistant to FMD due to vaccination over the years and genetic make up. Cattle are usually more susceptible than buffaloes.Many factors govern the control procedures in the given area. The well established control measures include the "Stamping Out"- Test and Slaughter, Mass Vaccination, Ring Vaccination and Restriction on imports from infected areas."Stamping Out" is a very expensive method of FMD control and all the animals tested and found positive for FMD are slaughtered and destroyed through deep burial or burning. September 21,2001

Use of Nuclear Techniques in Agri Research

PESHAWAR-Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has organised a two week training course on "Use of Nuclear and Other Advanced Techniques in Food and Agriculture Research" from September 17, 2001 at NIFA, Peshawar. Provincial Minister for Food and Agriculture Abeedullah Jan will inaugurate the training course.

According to a release of the NIFA here on Saturday, the course is expected to be participated by 30 participants from various research organisations and universities in the country. The course is designed primarily to provide research training to scientists, teachers and technologists in the application of radiations and radioisotopes and other techniques
in the field of food and agriculture.

The course will be opened to M.Sc Scientists /Teachers/Technologists having not less than a degree in agriculture science subjects or post graduate students of the Universities.
Experienced professionals in the fields of radiation protection, chromatography, bio_detection techniques and statistical designs from other PAEC organisations will contribute technical lectures and practical in the course. Dr.Ishanullah is the Course Organizer for the coming two week training course.

NIFA, an establishment of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission,is involved in basic and applied research in selected area discuss lines of food and agriculture such as food science, soil science, mutation breeding and entomology.NIFA is well-equipped with modern laboratory facilities and trained manpower. The institute maintained active lines with other establishments of PAEC and other various national and international organisations engaged in similar pursuits.
September 21,2001

ADBP to grant Rs.35 bln to farmers

ISLAMABAD-Agricultural Development Bank of Pakistan (ADBP) will grant Rs.35 billion loan to the farmers for increasing agriculture growth during current fiscal year, said Chairman ADBP, Istaqbal Mehdi. Detail

3-day national workshop on agri-technologies

ISLAMABAD-Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) is organizing a 3-day national workshop on "Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture" from Sept. 24. The workshop is being organised in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Planning Commission.

The workshop will be inaugurated by Dr. Shahid Amjad Chaudhry,Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission on Monday, September 24 at Nuclear Institute for Agriculture & Biology (NIAB) Faisalabad.
 
Agricultural scientists and experts will present various lecturers, papers and deliberations covering different aspects of agriculture productivity during the workshop. Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB) has been playing a significant role in improving agricultural productivity of the country in addition to two more national agriculture centres of PAEC namely NIFA Peshawar and NIA Tandojam.Due to their outstanding contributions to original knowledge in various scientific disciplines these centres enjoy a respectable place at national and international levels. Over the years, these centres have evolved cash crop varieties which have
increased the crop production of the country manifold. September 21,2001


ADB links loan with agri reforms

ISLAMABAD - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has asked Pakistan to speed up process to abolish subsidies mechanism for four major crops, close down all food deparments and involve private sector in trade of agriculture sector for enabling the country to draw US $ 250 million loan in current fiscal year. Detail

Agri uplift top priority: Junejo

ISLAMABAD–Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture, Khair Muhammad Junejo on Thursday said government attaches priority to the development of agriculture to attain self-sufficiency in agri production. Detail

Cotton prices under pressure

LAHORE: Declining world cotton rates have put pressure on local cotton prices although the depreciation of Pak rupee since last crop warrants that farmers get the same rates as last year. Detail

ADBP to give Rs 7.2-b loans to Sindh growers


HYDERABAD, Sept 16 (APP)- Sindh Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forests, Hassan Ali Chanhio has said that Agricultural Development Bank of Pakistan (ADBP) would provide loans of Rs 7.2 billion to the growers of Sindh for cultivation of their crops in Rabi and Kharif seasons this year. Presiding over a meeting of Agriculture Credit Advisory Board at Darbar Hall Mirpurkhas on Saturday evening, the Minister said besides ADBP other commercial banks of the country would also provide loans to the growers. Detail

Silk Route trade fair in full swing

GILGIT (APP)- The second Silk Route International Trade Fair and Gems-Expo 2001 organised by Northern Areas Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NACCI) here is in full swing on for the second day, Saturday. Detail

APTMA for industrial inputs at stable prices


LAHORE-Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) Saturday demanded of the government to ensure availability of inputs to the industry at stable and competitive prices.

In a statement issued here, Chairman APTMA, Abid Farooq said that the textile industry was passing through crisis. He said that major concern of the industry was the continuous decline of export values of its basic textile in the international market place. The per unit prices of yarns and fabrics had declined to the extent of 10 to 15 per cent.

Abid Farooq said that the worldwide cotton supply was expected to increase by one million and to reach a record of 29.4 million tons. Similarly world ending stocks were at 8.5 million tons and expected to rise during the current crop season to 9.46 million tons. He said that the export price of Pakistani cotton was presently at 34 US cents per pound. 15 September,2001
Courtesy Daily Nation

Farmers' convention on marketing

LAHORE, Sept 15: A one-day convention on marketing is being held in Multan on Sunday (today) with a view to establishing conditions for identifying 'second generation' problems of small farmers, reorganizing cooperatives to cater to the needs of the agriculture sector and promoting self help among farmers instead of seeking governmental assistance and
protection. Detail

Meeting to formulate cotton policy postponed

LAHORE, Sept 15: A meeting to formulate the cotton crop policy for 2001 scheduled to be held at Islamabad on Monday with President Pervez Musharraf in chair has been postponed..

The meeting has reportedly been postponed in view of the preoccupation of the president because of the "extraordinary" circumstances arising in the region as a consequence of Tuesday's terrorist strikes on New York and Washington.

The meeting was called by the president in order to review the situation of the crop amidst reports of a steep decline of cotton prices in the international markets that is likely to bring down the rates of the domestic crop and affect the growers.

It was also to consider some sort of mechanism to save the growers from the adverse effect of the falling cotton prices as well as to make raw material available to textile mills at internationally competitive rates.

The meeting was scheduled to be attended by farmers and millers in addition to officials and federal ministers concerned. 16 September,2001
Courtesy Daily Dawn

2 to 7 per cent increase in oil prices

ISLAMABAD: In the wake of increase in the oil price in the international market, the Oil Companies Advisory Committee (OCAC) has increased the prices of petroleum products in its fortnightly review in the range of 2 to 7 per cent.

According to the fortnightly review, the committee has increased the prices of MS 87 RON (petrol) from Rs 31.64 to Rs 32.46 per litre (i.e. Rs 0.82 per litre or 2.59 per cent increase); HOBC from Rs 34.85 to Rs 35.60 (i.e. Rs 0.75 per litre or 2.1 per cent increase); kerosene oil from Rs 17.40 to Rs 18.66 (i.e. Rs 1.26 per litre or 7.24 per cent increase); high speed diesel from Rs 17.77 to Rs 18.19 (i.e. Rs 0.42 per litre or 2.36 per cent increase); light diesel oil from Rs 15.71 to Rs 16.31 (i.e. Rs 0.60 per litre or 3.82 per cent increase) and JP-4 from Rs 16.26 to Rs 17.24 (i.e. Rs 0.98 per litre or 6.03 per cent increase).

The oil prices in the international market, which were $25 per barrel prior to September 11, had gone up to $30 barrel soon after the disaster in the United States. The oil prices fell to $28 per barrel on Thursday but reports of expected retaliation by the United States again pushed up the price from $29 to $30 per barrel on Friday.16 September, 2001
 Courtesy Daily The News

Oil price rises

LONDON: The price of oil climbed here on Friday on the back of renewed concerns about the prospect of possible US retaliation for the atrocities targeted on New York and Washington.

Brent North Sea crude for November delivery rose 79 cents a barrel to $29.16. The New York market remained shut, while the London Petroleum Exchange said it would close early at 17:45 (16:45 GMT) at the request of traders and clients.

Oil prices have been caught in a two-way pull since the devastating attacks on US targets on Tuesday. Concerns that US retaliation could draw Gulf Arab producer nations into a wider conflict have been pulling against concerns about the impact on crude demand of the assault on the hub of global capitalism.

"The market's very nervy," said David Nesbitt, a broker with the Prudential Bache house. "The crude is also reacting to headlines like, 'Taliban chief spokesman warns of revenge if US attacks Afghanistan', and that's just taken us though $29", he told AFP.

Recent comments from US leaders have fuelled renewed concern that Arab oil producing countries could turn to the oil weapon in the face of any US retaliation, despite widespread condemnation of the attacks by Arab leaders, with the notable exception of Iraq.

Traders have not forgotten the price surges of 1973-4, 1990 and last autumn that followed stand-offs between Western powers and Arab crude producers. The United States said on Thursday that Osama bin Laden, thought to be living in Afghanistan, was a prime suspect in Tuesday's attacks.15 September, 2001
 Courtesy Daily The News

Balochistan achieves 97pc cotton sowing

ISLAMABAD: The Cotton sowing gained momentum for the first time in Balochistan as it was sown over an area of 40,162 hectares thus achieving 97 per cent of the sowing target during 2001-2002. Detail

Chinese agriculturists to set up farm

QUETTA: The Balochistan government has decided to lease out 10,000 acres of land to Chinese agriculture experts for 10 years to develop agriculture farm.

The decision was taken at a provincial cabinet meeting held here on Friday with Governor Amirul Mulk Mengal in the chair. The Chinese experts will hand over the farm to the Balochistan government on expiry of the lease period.

The cabinet also approved two draft ordinances to set up regulatory authority to regularise fee structure for the doctors of private hospitals and clinics and the standard of the facilities. This will remove public complaints against private hospitals and clinics and improve their standard.

The meeting approved allotment of land to National Logistic Cell for setting up dry ports at Quetta and Taftan. It was further decided to reduce stamp duty on registration of public companies.

It was also decided that in case of re-employment of retired government servants and ex service men, they will be allowed the same salary they had been receiving at the time of their retirement. The cabinet approved rules of business for the district governments after making some amendments in the draft. 15 September,2001 
Courtesy Daily The News

Rice crop comes out of Leafroller attack

LAHORE-Recent rain has helped the cotton crop in coming out of dangers of Leafroller attack and the crop growth at this stage is satisfactory
.
A spokesman of Punjab agriculture department said here on September 12, 2001. He said that data regarding crop growth was collected from districts of Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Jhang, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Gujrat, Narowal, Toba Tek Singh, Okara and Lahore and it was observed that there was no threat of pest attack to the crop.

Leafroller attack which was going to touch a dangerous level in Sheikhupura and Narowal districts some days ago has also remarkably washed out due to the recent rains in these districts, he said. He said that supply of pesticides in these districts is also being doubled by the respective dealers and growers should use them according to the requirement. He also emphasised upon the need of adopting precautionary measures to avoid pest attack. Agriculture department will continue its media campaign to guide the growers in this regard, he added.  September 13, 2001 

Food Security Pilot Project increases per acre wheat and rice yield

ISLAMABAD-Food Security Pilot Project assisted by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has helped increase per acre yield of Wheat and Rice.
Official sources stated here on September 12, 2001 that FAO is providing necessary assistance and cooperation to the growers and farmers community and during Phase-I project, villages "Malo- Mahay" in Daska Tehsil of Sialkot District and "44-SB" in Sargodha District of Punjab and village "Loke" in D.I.Khan District, of NWFP were selected as pilot areas. Detail

22.55 m acre land can be ploughed if water wastage controlled

LAHORE-About 22.55 million acres of land can be brought under plough if 38 million acres feet water is used for agriculture purpose which goes to sea every year without any utility. Detail

Japan: Cows show signs of mad cow disease

TOKYO-Other cows bred with a dairy cow believed to have contracted mad cow disease had also showed symptoms of the brain-wasting illness, the diseased animal's owner said, according to news reports released on September 12, 2001. Detail

Minister calls for making unproductive land cultivable

LAHORE-Punjab Revenue Minister Malik Muhammad Aslam Khan has said the agriculture farms owned by the government could also be made profitable after their yield was enhanced. He was addressing the meeting of Task Force for Livestock Farms Punjab.

The officers of Revenue Department and Livestock and Dairy Development attended the meeting. The minister stressed the need for making unproductive land cultivable and enhancing the produce of farms so that the province could attain self-sufficiency in food, meat, milk and its by- products. Furthermore, these measures would lead to earn valuable foreign exchange by exporting these products, he observed.

He directed the officers concerned to minimise the expenditures of the administration in the governmental agri-farms and take effective measures to increase yield within limited resources. He also directed to Revenue Department officers to follow the cases regularly pending with the courts for their easy disposal.  September 13, 2001

President laudes FAO support for agri sector

ISLAMABAD-President General Pervez Musharraf Monday appreciated the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for its efforts in extending cooperation to Pakistan  in the development of its agriculture over the past 50 years.  He made these remarks in a meeting with the Director General, FAO, Jacques Diouf who called on him here.  The DG, FAO was appreciative of the steps taken by the President and his Government in according high priority to agriculture and related issues.

He indicated that all future development programmes  and projects in agriculture need to focus on poverty alleviation and in ensuring that the benefits filter down to the end user, i.e., farmer. He invited the President to  participate in the "World Food Summit - Five Years Later" scheduled to be held in November, 2001 at Rome. September 11, 2001

15pc GST imposed on fertilizer

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan has extended the tax net to include all farm inputs except tractors, as it imposed 15 per cent General Sales Tax (GST) on fertilizers Monday through a Presidential Ordinance. Detail

GST on tractor, tubewell likely by month-end

ISLAMABAD-The government is likely to impose 15 per cent General Sales Tax (GST) on tractors and tubewells by the end of current month to extend GST net to all agricultural inputs under the International Monetary Fund's conditionality for last standby arrangement tranche.
Detail