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Punjab to disburse farm loans on long-term basis
The Punjab government has evolved a strategy to disburse the agricultural loans on medium and long-term basis, too, among the members of co-operative societies belonging to the farming community.

Pakistan to take active part in UN poverty reduction
BEIJING (December 02 2002) : Pakistan would continue to take active part in the United Nations programme of poverty alleviation.

Vanaspati manufacturers want end to unregistered
The regulatory bodies and the Pakistan Standard Quality Institute (PSQI) should play its much needed role in curbing mal-practices by unregistered ghee mills and those who have not been issued the PVMA membership due to non-compliance.

Urea off-take up 16 percent in October
Urea market continued to be healthy and off-take during October registered an increase of 16 percent compared with same period a year ago mainly because of better water position.

Small, Medium Enterprises Development Authority
Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (Smeda) in collaboration with the Punjab Livestock and Dairy Development Department is soon launching a training course on Artificial Insemination (AI) to produce trained (AI) technicians for breed improvement.

Telemetry system to be installed by March
Federal Minister for Water and Power Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao has asked the concerned departments to complete the telemetry system at all dams and barrages to gauge the flow of water and provide "real-time computerised and flow data" to all the provinces.

Irrigation department told to prepare 'Recharge Dam'
The Sindh Secretary for Irrigation and Power, Muhammad Hashim Leghari has asked the officers of Irrigation Department to prepare projects of 'Recharge Dam' in Nangarparkar, Thatta, Dadu and Larkana.

Finance Ministry freezes Irsa allowances
The Finance Ministry has frozen the allowances of Indus River System Authority (Irsa) till the completion of special audit, likely to be started during the current month, informed sources told Business Recorder.

Reconstruction, rehabilitation of barrages planned
The Provincial government has chalked out a multi-dimensional phased plan for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of existing barrages and embankment of canals costing Rs 675 million in the Punjab.

Sindh sugar mills to start crushing on December
Sugar mills in Sindh, after all, have decided to follow the principle of "better late than never" with resumption of the seasonal operation of sugarcane crushing from December 10, 2002.

Pakistan's sugar mills have more than enough
As per Pakistan Sugar Mills Association summary issued here on Monday, the mills had 295,445 tonnes sugar stocks as on November 15, which, it said, is enough to cater to demand of whole December as the consumption is ranging between 200,000 and 240,000 tonnes per month since June last.

70-feet breach occurs in DIM Canal
A 70-feet wide breach occurred in DIM Canal, on Friday morning, flooding hundreds of acres of agricultural land including Jamrao-15 village.

Board constituted for stabilization, development of sugar
The government has constituted a 12-member board for stabilisation and development of sugar industry, which shall be headed by Finance Minister.

Government determined to strengthen agri economy
The Punjab Government has evolved a new and comprehensive strategy to strengthen agricultural economy by facilitating the growers, disclosed Governor Punjab Lieutenant General Khalid Maqbool (Retd).

Khyber Tractors chief executive declared proclaimed
An accountability court on Thursday declared Mansoor Alam Khan, chief executive, Khyber Tractors a proclaimed offender.

Two Sindh sugar mills start crushing
Out of 27 sugar mills, situated in Sindh province, the management of two sugar mills have started sugarcane crushing on Wednesday while eight others have notified to start crushing in their respective mills after Eid-ul-Fitr on December 10, 2002.

Sugar mill-owners meeting with commerce minister
Sugar mills owners are meeting Commerce Minister, Humayun Akhtar Khan, here on Friday (November 29) with a hope that the new minister, being a sugar industrialist himself, understands their point of view very well and would take appropriate measures to address their grievances.

Japan removes curbs on livestock imports from Pakistan
The government of Japan has removed restrictions on import of steamed hoof, crushed bones and bone charcoal from Pakistan from November 12.

Need to liberalise facilities for local machinery
The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) is reported to have recommended to the government that the local machinery manufacturers should be allowed the freedom to import their requirements of machines, equipment, components and raw materials from world-wide sources at comparatively low rates of duty without any restrictions, so that they may compete in the world market successfully.

Rawalpindi Chamber industrial fair in January
The Industrial exhibition 2003 would start at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Murree Road, on January 2, 2003, RCCI sources said here on Thursday.

Sindh Seas Festival in December
A meeting regarding holding of Sindh Sea Festival-2002 was held under the chairmanship of Secretary Culture and Tourism Sindh, Ashiq Hussain Memon at his office here on Tuesday.

Board of Investment invited to participate
The Board of Investment (BoI) has been invited to participate in the Chinese Enterprises "Go to World" Developing Projects Recommend & Introduce Conference in Beijing from January 15-18, 2003.

Environmental Protection Tribunal yet to be activated
It remains to be seen whether the environmental protection tribunal, set up under Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (PEPA), would be activated or not.

Minister for production of market-oriented of crops
Minister for Food and Agriculture Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind has called upon the agriculture scientists to produce market-oriented varieties, which will be beneficial for the farmers community.

Provision of loans to farmers for Rabi crop
The provision of agricultural loans to small farmers for Rabi crop is going on in Faisalabad under One-window Operation Scheme. For this purpose 33 centres have been set up at different places in the six Tehsils of the district where within two days of the last week loans amounting to Rs 3.683 million have been issued to 97 applicants.

Islamabad Chamber welcomes rationalisation of crop
Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) has welcomed the announcement of Federal Minister for Food Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind to rationalise crop prices to motivate the farming community for promoting agriculture culture in the country.

Call to withdraw permission for wood cartons
Pakistan Citrus Fruits and Persimmon Processors Association (PCFPPA) has urged the government to withdraw the recent decision of Commerce Ministry, allowing wooden cartons for export of citrus fruits.

Industry opposes move for importing tractors
Millat Tractors Ltd has vehemently opposed the move for importing tractors, saying that the market is flooded with tractors produced by local industry and the farmers can readily buy tractors of any model of their choice.

Cases against 21 sugar mills registered in Sindh
Sindh Cane Commissioner filed cases against 21 sugar mills in the province for contravening section 8 and 2(H) of Sugar Factory Control Act 1950 by not resuming crushing on notified date on the expiry of show cause notice.

Sugar Mills to form 'WTO committee' to stall
Chairman, Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA), Punjab Zone, Javed Kayani has said that formation of WTO committee at the PSMA platform is under way so the millers could meet the emerging challenges.

Foodgrain markets savour lower trend on ample
Prices of most of the essential items suffered fall on the Karachi wholesale commodity markets during the preceding week. Supplies out-weighed local demand, thanks to steady arrivals from the upcountry markets.

Environment update
Researchers have found evidence that an Antarctic ice stream has reversed its flow. It is virtually impossible for a river or stream to first stop its flow and then reverse course. But an ice stream in Antarctica has done precisely this in the last two-and-a-half centuries. Puzzled scientists are trying to figure out exactly why.

Plan to set up Dairy Authority raises suspicions
Several departments of the Punjab government are quietly analyzing a plan on creating a dairy authority in the Punjab which is seen as an effort to monopolize milk supply in Lahore and other cities of the province.

Junejo for higher livestock, dairy export
Pakistan has great potential for livestock and dairy export and it must be tapped if the country is to come out of present economic limbo.

Government implementing water strategy
Government has planned to increase water availability at the farm gate by 12 MAF, out of which 6 MAF will be through augmentation ie construction of small and medium storage and the remaining 6 MAF through remodelling, rehabilitation and lining of canals and renovation of 75,000 watercourses and 149,242 hectares of precision land levelling, 2.67 MH disastrous area will be protected from onslaught of water-logging and salinity through completion of ongoing drainage projects and new initiatives.

ADB of Pakistan Ordinance amended
The President General Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday promulgated Agricultural Development Bank of Pakistan (Reorganisation and Conversion) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2002, which shall come into force at once.

Modern methods promises enhanced wheat yield
Modern irrigation methods promise 4-6 mound per acre additional wheat yield, said wheat expert of Agriculture Research Department Faisalabad, Dr Muhammad Aqal.

Karachi Electric Supply gives relief to farmers
Brigadier Tariq Saddozai, Managing Director of Karachi Electric Supply Corporation, has given a temporary relief to farmers of Lasbela district.

Quality wheat at subsidised rate provided to mills
The Sindh Minister for Food and Forest, Hasan Ali Chaniho, has said that flourmills have been supplied quality wheat at the subsidised rate so that its benefit could reach directly to the people.

Three Sindh sugar mills reply to show-cause notices
Out of 27 sugar mills, situated in Sindh province the management of three sugar mills have responded to the show-cause notices, served by Cane Commissioner Sindh regarding failure of start of sugarcane crushing on November 15.

New government urged to resolve sugar industry
Chairman Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) Punjab Zone Javed Kayani has urged the newly elected government to give first and foremost priority to steer the sugar industry out of dire straits, as the major chunk of agriculture is dependent on it.

Human nose to measure dairy odor
In the US state of Idaho nearly every evening a professional sniffer is out in the country to take a deep breath., and check for dairy odours. (25-11-02)
The person sniffs for manure and the myriad of gases released as organic material decays and consequently reports on the findings.

Water shortage damages guava crop in Larkana
The entire crop of guava in Larkana District and adjoining areas, which is quite well-known all over the country, has been severely damaged due to severe shortage of irrigation water.

Unplanned mechanization endangers land fertility
The farm experts observed that critical situation is feared in agriculture lands fertility and the gradual decrease in the required percentage of organic ingredients in lands that it may happen in the next few years carrying dangers for the entire agriculture environment, said a survey and a series of interviews with farmers.

Fishing vessel discards dead fish: official report
The investigation report of Sindh Fisheries Department on Monday confirmed that the cause of death of a large number of fish on Karachi beaches was not the toxic material but some fishing vessel had discarded those invaluable fish.

Pakistan to export 100,000 tonnes dates
Pakistan is set to export 100,000 tonnes of dates during 2002-2003 after harvesting a bumper crop this year.

Nursery owners criticise CDA for not giving extension
The lessees' of the private plant nursery scheme in National Park Area, Chawk Shahzad, have severely criticised the CDA board's decision not to extend 20-years plot lease, it was reliably learnt on Monday.

Free import of tractors demanded to bring down prices
There is a general demand of commercial importers that free import of tractors should be allowed to bring down the prices following a competition between the local tractor manufacturers and importers.

Cane growers protest over non-resumption of crushing
Small cane growers lead by association president Aaro Masl continue to stage protest against non-resumption of crushing season in the province.

Sugar mills clear sales tax timely
The chairman, Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA), North Zone, Javed Kayani has said that almost all the millers have paid their sales tax on time as late payments result in penalties and additional taxation, which the sugar industry could not sustain.

Legal cover need to address potential risks
Pakistan needs a sound legal framework to address the potential risks of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), said Professor Dr Riaz Hussain Qureshi, vice-chancellor, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF).

Over 1,400 kg meat confiscated from illegal
The City Government has confiscated about 1,446 kg of meat from various parts of the city, which was being supplied from illegal slaughterhouses.

AUF admission policy vexes Pakistan Veterinary MC
The Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council (PVMA) has expressed its concern over the admission to four-year BSc (Animal Husbandry) and the DVM by the Agriculture University, Faisalabad in violation of the government rules and regulations.

Plan to construct wheat silos at Port Qasim in doldrums
The Rs 480 million wheat silos project with 100,000 tonnes storage capacity at Port Qasim is in doldrums after one of the two private sector parties has withdrawn from the contract.

Rs 70 billion pumped in rural economy by procuring
The government has pumped in Rs.70 billion into the rural economy by procuring 8.3 million tonnes of wheat.

Less area under wheat feared due to water shortage
Officials have expressed fear of less area under wheat sowing during current Rabi season compared to last year due to serious water shortage and reasonable and expected good phutti prices in the market, because farmers are reluctant to hurriedly picking cotton, it is learnt.

Punjab Food Department to export wheat
The Punjab food department in collaboration with the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) will export 100,000 tonnes of wheat, and the tenders in this regard would open on November 24.

Food department fails to arrest rising flour prices
The performance of provincial food department to date remains unimpressive in arresting the soaring wheat flour prices at Hyderabad and other urban areas of interior Sindh despite introduction of Eid Package by the government to provide wheat flour at lowest level to consumers during the holy month of Ramazan.

Sindh Sugar mills owners in no mood to start crushing
The sugar mills owners seem to be adamant not to start crushing before Eid-ul-Fitr despite show-cause notices served to them by Sindh Cane Commissioner to explain their failure to start sugarcane crushing within one week ending on November 26.

Punjab spends Rs 600 million annually on agri-research
The Punjab government is spending no less than Rs 600 million annually on agriculture research institute.

Agri scientists urged to use latest techniques
In order to meet the challenges faced by the 21st century the agricultural scientists should make full use of latest agricultural techniques for the transmission of latest information to the farmers and to achieve this end the electronic media can play a pivotal role.

Punjab Co-operatives seeks Rs10 billion from State Bank of Pakistan
In order to disburse the agricultural loans among the members of co-operative societies belonging to the farmers community on medium and long-term basis, Punjab Co-operatives has sought an amount of Rs 10 billion from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

KFHA orders holds of trawlers to be modified by July 2003
By the end of July 2003, fishing holds (galas) of all fishing boats/trawlers registered and operating from Karachi Fish Harbour would be modified.

WAPDA to provide new tube-well connections
Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) has decided to provide 3,000 new tube-well connections during the current financial year.

Sugar export in doldrums on change in rates of Export Development Fund
Export of 100,000 tonnes sugar is in doldrums as the Ministry of Industries and Production has withdrawn the summary as the issue took serious turn after strong protest from the millers against the Central Board of Revenue (CBR) for changing rates of Export Development Fund.

Molasses export at a standstill
The export of molasses has come to a complete standstill' the reason is that there is complete strike of transporters and there is no way to transport molasses from sugar mills to Karachi Port.

Sugar mills to face action for failure to start crushing
The Ministerial Committee of Sindh Government has asked the Cane Commissioner Sindh to file cases in the relevant court against those sugar mills of the province, who tailed to start cane crushing within one week time after issuance of show cause notices.

Pakistan Kissan Movement seeks sugar export
Pakistan Kissan Movement (PKM) has made an appeal to the newly elected Prime Minister to intervene and allow export of surplus sugar.

Punjab Seed Council okays nine new varieties
Provincial Agriculture Minister, Khurshid Zaman Qureshi has said that Punjab Seed Council (PSC) in order to increase per acre production, has given approval of nine new varieties of sugarcane, barley, spinach and peanuts.

New technology can regenerate plants in large number
The plants regeneration by cell and tissue culture technique can complement conventional breeding procedure and plants can be regenerated in a large number. However, the success of this breeding technology depends upon the efficiency of the cultured cells with desired characteristics.

Trading Corporation withdraws wheat ship
The Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) withdrew on Thursday a wheat vessel from the berth at Port Qasim due to letter of credit (L/C) problem.

WPDA - Punjab row over excess water release
The Indus River System Authority (Irsa) has constituted a two-member joint observation team to resolve the dispute between Wpda and Punjab over release of excess water from Mangla Dam, official sources told Business Recorder.

Call to make a comprehensive plan to cope
All the government departments/agencies, autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies should quickly realign to make a comprehensive plan to cope with the challenges of WTO to be enforced from January 2005.

Malik praised for securing land for Chambers
The office-bearers and managing committee members of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) have praised the efforts of Iftikhar Ali Malik, President, FPCCI, for obtaining a plot of land in Islamabad for the construction of the capital office of FPCCI.

Sindh Environmental Protection Agency to finalize
Sindh Environmental Protection Agency will finalize an interim report about investigation into the small dead fish issue on Thursday.

Transparency in Agri Bank's credit operations
Agriculture Development Bank of Pakistan's adoption of an effective system of timely and diversified credit provision for newly identified borrowers can increase the quality of lending. This was emphasised in a Convention held here Wednesday.

No province, November 15 report deadline of wheat
None of the provinces, except NWFP, met the deadline of November 15 for submitting progress report on wheat sowing area. Food Ministry officials on Wednesday said they were anxiously waiting for the provinces' response as the statistics on crop sowing areas is the only reliable data for them for official use.

Slightly firmer conditions on forward cottonseed
Slightly firmer conditions were marked on the forward cottonseed oilcake market on Tuesday amid low trading.

Probe ordered into massive loss of marine resources
Pakistan Environment Protection Agency (Pepa) has ordered a detailed investigation to ascertain causes for massive loss of marine resources.

ADB committed to protect marine eco-system of Pakistan
Asian Development Bank under its Technical Assistance Programme (TAP) for Coastal and Marine Resources Management has committed to help Pakistan protect and promote its marine eco-system holding vital habitats for a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Sindh Chief Secretary directs for report
Sindh Chief Secretary K. B. Rind, has directed that a detailed report be submitted to him with regard to the fish found dead at the Clifton beach in Karachi. Earlier, he had directed an enquiry into the incident, says a statement on Wednesday.

Pakistan's wheat export plan faces snag
Pakistan's ambitious wheat export programme was likely to slow down by the end of the current year because of depleting stocks and less harvest expected from the 2002-03 (July/June) crop, government officials said on Wednesday.

Lethal organic compounds found in Taunsa Barrage
Highest levels of lethal organic compounds with heavy metal contamination have been found in Taunsa Barrage, a storage reservoir behind on the River Indus and a major source of fishing.

IRSA moot to resolve Punjab - WPDA row on November 21
The Indus River System Authority (Irsa) has convened Authority's meeting on Thursday to resolve controversy between Water and Power Development Authority and Punjab over releases from the Mangla reservoir, informed sources told Business Recorder.

Revenue Board, Sugar Mills Association agree
The Central Board of Revenue (CBR) and Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) have agreed to take stern legal action against the habitual defaulters and tax evaders before Eid-ul-Fitr, official sources told Business Recorder on Wednesday.

Sugar sector becomes a neglected field in Sindh
The sugar sector in the province was the most organised sector of agriculture with sugar production and clearance was entirely profit-oriented, today it is the most neglected and disorganised sector.

SSGA threatens to launch protest against sugar mills
The WTO Cell in the Agriculture Department has arranged a one-day seminar on November 20 at the Agriculture House, Lahore.

Trading Corporation of Pakistan sells soybean oil
The Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) on Tuesday auctioned 6,000 tonnes soybean oil, imported from the United States. The auction was held at Lahore according to the auction notice issued by the TCP on November 7.

Experts seek ban on poultry feed prepared
Health care experts have expressed their deep concern regarding reported transportation of fish found dead at Clifton Beach to local poultry-feed processing mills.

Village veterinary workers' training
The District Officer, Livestock, Dr Qurban Hussain Chaudhry, has said that the second phase of village veterinary workers' training, arranged by the Provincial Livestock and Dairy Development Department, has started in the district.

Arrangements finalized to lift 100,000 tones
Provincial Food Minister Abeed Ullah Jan Tuesday while denouncing rumours about flour shortage in the province clarified that there was no shortage of the commodity and 55,000 tonne wheat was available in the government godowns.

Implementation of Sida reform well under way
The 14th meeting of National Drainage Programme (NDP), Provincial Programme Steering Committee (PPSC) was held here on Tuesday at Irrigation and Power Department, Government of Sindh to review, discuss and take decision about project implementation.

Reap cautious about new Genetically Modified
Dr Zia-ud-Din, Director, Centre of Excellence for Molecular Biology (CEMB), has suggested that 'Genetically Modified (GM)' new variety of Basmati rice, evolved by the centre, should be handed over to the Agriculture Department for undertaking.

Sugar mills in Punjab starts crushing operation
Chairman Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) Punjab Zone, Javed Kayani has said that the sugar mills in the province have started their crushing operation in compliance with the orders of Governor Punjab Lieutenant General Khalid Maqbool(Retd).

Seminar on WTO to be held on November 20
The WTO Cell in the Agriculture Department has arranged a one-day seminar on November 20 at the Agriculture House, Lahore.

Agri Bank disburses Rs 13.872 million credit to rural poor
The Agricultural Development Bank of Pakistan (ADBP) during July-September disbursed Rs 13.872 million for self-employment income generating activities, says a press release on Monday.

Fruit, vegetable prices decline
Prices of essential commodities including fruits and vegetables have registered decline till 12th of Ramazan, as a result of effective measures taken by the government.

Pakistan Rice Board constituted
The Commerce Ministry has constituted 16-member Pakistan Rice Board (PRB) to effectively monitor quality control, research development, marketing and matters relating to export.

Sugar mills-Water, PDA joint ventures for electricity
Leader of the opposition in Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) and former Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) chairman Chaudhry Zaka Ashraf has said that the sugar industry was ready to initiate joint ventures with Wapda for producing electricity with local raw material, "baggase", for commercial purposes.

EPB packing policy: Sindh High Court extends stay
The Sindh High Court has extended stay till December 10 on a civil suit, filed by the Chairman, All Pakistan Fruits and Vegetable Processors and Exporters Association, Abdul Mateen Siddiqui, to restrict the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) from altering its policy on packing of kinnos, announced in a circular issued on April 24.

Withdrawal of duty, Sales Tax concessions to raise
Withdrawal of duty and sales tax concessions may hit the local tractor industry and increase the price of tractor to the extent where it will become unaffordable for the farmers' community.

Pakistan's sugarcane output seen exceeding target
Pakistan's sugarcane output from its current crop has reached 52.5 million tonnes against a target of 46.5 million tonnes, and could touch 55 million tonnes by the year's end, a senior agriculture official said on Monday.

PEPA orders probe on dead fish cause at Karachi
Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (PEPA), taking cognisance of the incidence of accumulation of dead fish on Karachi harbour as reported in the electronic media, has ordered detailed investigation to ascertain causes for this massive loss of marine resources.

Millers told to ensure quality wheat supply to Bachat Bazaars
Sindh Food and Forest Minister Hasan Ali Chaniho has strictly directed the flour millers to ensure availability of good quality subsidised wheat flour at the stalls set up for the purpose.

Flour being sold at exorbitant rates
The flour mills in Sialkot district have refused of cut the recently raised prices of 20 kgs Ata bag, as a result of which, there is still an unabated shortage of "Atta" at the retailer shops in Sialkot city, Cantonment, Daska, Bhopalwala, Sambrial, Motra, Chawinda, Badiana and Pasrur.

Irri-6 rice price records Rs400 per tonne fall
The price of coarse rice Irri-6 recorded a steep decline of almost Rs 400 per tonne in domestic market following the report of glut in international market.

Wheat exports fetch Rs 2.747 billion
Wheat registered remarkable gains on export and import counters, simultaneously during July-October 2002 as compared with the same period last year.

Pulses import bill rises to 35.06 percent in four months
The import bill of pulses, in term of dollars, has registered an increase of 35.06 percent during the first four months (July-October) of the current fiscal as compared with the same period last year.

100,000 tonnes sugar export hanging in balance
Although the decision of 100,000 tonnes sugar export has been taken one week ago, the export question is still hanging in the balance.

Wheat sowing in full swing in Sialkot
Over 0.452 million acres of land would be brought under wheat crop during the Rabi season in Sialkot, Daska and Pasrur tehsils of the Sialkot district.

Farmers urged to work on agri experts advice
The newly-elected MPA and a progressive farmer, Hassan Murtaza, lauding the agricultural services of N F C, has stressed upon the farmers to ensure maximum yield of crops by better planning and acting upon the advice of agricultural experts as a result of which not only the country would achieve self-sufficiency but the farmers would also be prosperous.

Water level record 100 feet above from dead level at Tarbela
Water level was recorded 1469 ft in the biggest water reservoir of the country, Tarbela Dam 100 ft above from the dead level. The dead level of the dam is 1369.

Water level in Tarbela satisfactory: Irsa
The water level position at Tarbela and Mangla Dams is satisfactory, said sources in the Indus River System Authority.(Irsa).

Rice exports fetch Rs 322 million
The demand for Pakistani Basmati Rice is being increased day by day in foreign countries.

Plastic nets destroying marine life
Nylon and plastic nets have caused mass destruction of marine life through over fishing, as these nets disturb the natural habitat of seabed thus reducing protection from predators for certain species, depleting food supplies, and lowering local biological diversity.

Sindh chief secretary concerned over sale of sub-standard milk
Sindh Chief Secretary K. B. Rind has expressed concern over the sale of sub-standard milk in the city and warned the adulterators to mend their direction by Sunday or else be ready to face legal action.

Clifton beach littered with poisonous fish
People took away thousands of dead and hazardous small-size fish from the beach near Sea View area, which had started accumulating there since Friday evening.

First half 2003 critical for Russian entry to WTO
Russia could gain entry to the World Trade Organisation by the end of 2004, earlier than previously thought, if significant progress in economic and legal reforms are made in the first six months of next year, a senior WTO official said on Friday.

Commodities keep balance in regard to cost factors
The wholesale commodity markets of Karachi showed mixed trend last week as prices of some of the essential items fell, while others rose. The rise and the fall were orderly and did not reflect pressure on the supplies.

SC verdict to revive business: Serving meal at valima
The Supreme Court's decision of lifting ban on serving meals in valima reception last week is set to revive the business fortunes of poultry industry, marriage halls owners and caterers/decorators.

ADB releases $127 million tranche to Pakistan for agriculture development
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has released first tranche of $127 million to Pakistan for Agriculture Sector Development Programme (ASDP) and asked Islamabad to take more steps to qualify for the second tranche.

Proposal to amend Safeguard Measures Ordinance
The Ministry of Commerce has proposed to amend the Safeguard Measures Ordinance 2002 without compromising the due process of law for determining the amount of safeguard duty or imposition of quantitative restrictions on imports by the National Tariff Commission, sources said.

Commerce minister asks businessmen to get ready
Federal Commerce Minister Abdul Razak Dawood has asked the businessmen to prepare themselves to face the challenges of the post-WTO regime.

GCU Faisalabad to start M Phil in Urdu, Zoology
Govt College University, Faisalabad will be developed into an 'intellectual nerve center' to encourage and promote research-based education in almost all modern disciplines, said the Vice Chancellor Dr Asif Iqbal Khan.

Agri cooperation needed among Saarc countries
All the seven nations of the South Asian Association of Regional Co-operation (Saarc) viz, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, happen to be basically agricultural countries and as such , along with the cooperation in other economic and social fields, cooperation in the agricultural sector must be given top priority.

Sindh Governor reopens Karachi milk plant
Sindh Governor Muhammadmian Soomro inaugurated the Karachi Milk Plant on Friday, saying the present government has revived this sick project that would create lots of job opportunities.

Poppy growing and a religious decree
According to a press report, farmers in North Waziristan Agency are preparing to start poppy cultivation. As part of the preparation, they have obtained a supporting decree from religious scholars of two well-established organisations, Jamia Ashrafia in Lahore and Darul Uloom Haqqania in Akhora Khattak.

Timely implementation of public sector projects
In what may be described as an encouraging gesture, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned a grant of $650,000 to Pakistan for financing an efficient mechanism to remove the bottlenecks in the process of implementation and monitoring of public-sector projects which are initiated and supervised by the federal ministries and provincial governments.

New wheat, cotton varieties evolved
The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commissions Agriculture Centre, Nuclear Institute of Agriculture (NIA) Tandojam has evolved a new variety of wheat (Marvi-2000) and also a variety of cotton (SDHNI) which have been approved by the Sindh Seed Council for general cultivation, a meeting held here which was presided over by the Provincial Secretary for Agriculture Sindh.

Bumper cotton crop expected
A bumper cotton crop has been expected despite sowing on reduced area as compared to last year, and the agriculture experts have asked the cotton growers to produce contamination-free cotton as per market demands for getting reasonable incentives.

Enhanced vanaspati production to ensure
The vanaspati manufacturing, being the single largest industrial sector source of government revenue, provides the country with Rs 20 billion in taxes every year, needs to be promoted in Pakistan as enhanced vanaspati production could mean more revenue for the government.

Kissan Board's special cell to monitor sugarcane
Increase in water supply rotation period in the district situated at the tail of Nara Canal system has delayed wheat sowing. Reports said on Friday that the district Mirpurkhas produces sufficient quantity of wheat.

Tractor makers may lose duty, sales tax concessions
The Central Board of Revenue (CBR) wants to withdraw the facility of all concessions at zero customs duty and zero sales tax on components given to tractor\ manufacturers in June 1998.

Punjab fixes sugarcane price at Rs40 per 40 kg
The Punjab government on Wednesday fixed support price of sugarcane at Rs 40 per 40 kg (a maund) for 2002-03, after a several hours long consultations with the representatives of millers, growers and other stakeholders of sugar sector.

Pakistan allows export of 100,000 tonnes sugar
The Government of Pakistan has allowed export of 100,000 tonnes of sugar after a detailed discussion with the millers. A sum of Rs 0.22 per kg will be collected from the millers to facilitate the exporters and bridge the gap between the international and local prices.

Plan to check diseases in breeding animals chalked
The government will launch a comprehensive disease control programme to check diseases in the breeding animals, and set up a Central Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.

ADB releases $127 million tranche to Pakistan
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has released first tranche of $127 million to Pakistan for Agriculture Sector Development Programme (ASDP) and asked Islamabad to take more steps to qualify for the second tranche.

Rice crop starts decaying due to water shortage
The rice crop on thousands of acres of land in southern Badin district of Sindh has started decaying due to shortage of water which continues for the last two months.

Growers appeal for survey to cultivate olive
The progressive growers and farmers have appealed to the high-ups of the federal and provincial agriculture departments that a detailed survey should be carried out for cultivation of olive crop in Sialkot district.

Pakistan 3rd highest loser of forests
Pakistan is the third highest loser of forests among countries experiencing very high rate of deforestation. Pakistan's deforestation rate from 1990 to 1995 had been 55,000 hectare annually.

EC approves $335.9 million raising of loan for Pakistan
The Economic Co-ordination Committee of the Cabinet approved on Thursday US$335.9 million raising of loan for Pakistan International Airlines.

Sindh government winds up Sindh Arid Zone
The competent authority of Sindh government has wound up Sindh Arid Zone Development Authority (Sazda) declaring its employees as the government servants and putting them in a surplus pool.

Port Qasim Authority removes ship from berth for slow
The Port Qasim Authority (PQA) on Thursday removed a vessel from berth No. 3, loading wheat for export for Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP), due to poor loading performance.

Banks directed to extend loans for tractors
The State Bank of Pakistan has put no restriction on loaning to the agriculture sector and advised the banks to extend loans for the tractors.

Sindh sugar mill-owners show inability to start
The sugar mill owners in Sindh have rejected the Sindh government's directive to resume the seasonal operation of the sugar industry with effect from November 15.

Punjab govt approves plan to sale agri land
The Punjab government has approved a scheme for sale of the state owned agriculture land of 'Wandasarkar' (government share) to those, possessing the same legally.

MoU on Corporate Agriculture Farming signed
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the special labour package for Corporate Agriculture Farming (CAF) was signed here on Tuesday.

Pakistan Poultry Association hails decision to lift ban
The Chairman, Pakistan Poultry Association (PPA), Afsar Qadri and the chairman, Sindh Zone, Chaudhry Muhammad Ashraf have jointly welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to lift ban on the serving of meals in the wedding ceremonies.

Agri journals database available on Internet
Access to Pakistan Agriculture Research Council developed "Union Database of Journal in Agricultural Libraries of Pakistan" will now be available on internet at Parc website.

Government desires to hand over canal system to growers
Punjab Sugar Mills will commence sugarcane crushing season during November 15-22, 2002 in the province.

Crushing season in Punjab to start from November 15
Punjab Sugar Mills will commence sugarcane crushing season during November 15-22, 2002 in the province.

Plan to boost edible oil seeds output finalised
The government has finalised a programme to enhance production of edible oil seeds in a bid to save $400 million to $700 million being spent on its import to fulfil domestic needs.

Wheat varieties Shahkar-95, Pervaz-94 banned
Agriculture Department has banned two wheat varieties Shahkar-95 and Pervaz-94, which have lost their resistance against diseases.

Extra long staple cotton needed to compete in world market
The agriculture scientists have received appreciation and admiration from Punjab Governor for remarkable achievement of developing the mutant seed CIM-707 of long staple cotton.

Privatization calendar up to April 2003 outlined
The Cabinet Committee on Privatization (CCOP) outlined a calendar for privatization of various entities up to April next year, which includes seven transactions.

Islamabad to have meat market
Capital Development Authority (CDA) has planned to establish first ever meat market in Islamabad to address public complaints regarding health and sanitation snags in the city shopping centres, sources told Business Recorder.

Corrugated cartons packing for Kinno exports backed
The fruit exporters associations have supported corrugated cartons packing for Kinno exports and said that wooden crates do not comply with the international standard of packing in quality and presentation.

The oilseed action plan
The approval by the Economic Co-ordination Committee of the Cabinet (ECC) accorded on Monday to Minfal's 'oilseed action plan' to increase oilseed production, will be viewed as marking the beginning of long awaited conscious effort to fill the yawning gap between the demand and supply of edible oil in the country.

Published under arrangement with Pakistan Press Intel.
THE Supreme Court has declared the Wasteful Ordinance 2002 as unconstitutional and consequently the ban on serving meals on wedding ceremonies is no more effective. Though the apex court has observed that the Provincial Governments have the power to make laws about wedding ceremonies limiting the number of dishes and guests, yet for all practical purposes the restriction has been lifted for good.

Farmers hopeful of achieving rice output target
As rice harvesting picks up in Punjab province, farmers and exporters are hopeful that the production target of 4.5 million tonnes could be achieved this year.

Transfer of irrigation system to Sida opposed
Growers' organisations of Sindh, where 98 percent agriculture depend on irrigation, expressed their strong reservations over the transfer of entire irrigation system to Sindh Irrigation and Drainage Authority (Sida) by promulgating Sindh Water Management Ordinance without going into the viability of this foreign funded project.

Fixation of sugarcane price discussed
A two-member delegation comprising Israrullah Advocate, Chairman Finance Committee and Haji Muhammad Hanif, Chairman Agriculture Committee City District Assembly called on District Nazim Azam Khan Afridi here on Monday.

Next government to honour all external commitments
After receiving appreciation from the six-member IMF review mission's head, Klaus Enders, Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz, referring to recent statements from various political parties assured the Fund mission that all external commitments would be honoured, policies would remain consistent and reforms would continue.

Incentives sought to encourage sugar beet crushing
The study group on sugarbeet has recommended a "package of incentives" to encourage sugar mills to install sugarbeet slicing (crushing) equipment for sugar production.

Pakistan rice trade likely to pick-up on Sri Lankan demand
Pakistan's rice trade was weak on low export demand during the past week, but the market may pick up given Sri Lankan interest in IRRI-6 variety, traders said on Monday.

Jashne-Baharan 2003 from February 16,Lahore
The Jashne-Baharan 2003 will begin with Basant festival in Lahore on February 16 next. This was disclosed at a meeting with Punjab Chief Secretary, Hafeez Akhtar Randhawa in the chair on Friday.

Small, Medium EDU to organize training in dairy farming
Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Smeda) will organise training programmes in different parts of the country to remove the lack of latest training facilities in dairy farming sector.

Supreme Court lifts ban on serving food in Valima ceremony
The Supreme Court on Friday lifted ban on serving food and hosting Valima ceremony on marriages.

Govt, sugar mill-owners talks on November 12
Government officials and sugar mill-owners will meet here on November 12 for a crucial round of talks on controversial issues confronted by the industry.

Hybrid varieties to enhance productivity
The recent advances in varietal development has taken a turn for hybrid varieties of different crops which have been accepted world over because of higher productivity, uniform maturity and ease in harvesting.

Wheat sowing over 10.48 million-acre land
As many as 10.48 million acres of land would be brought under wheat crop during Rabi crop season in the Punjab. Official sources told Business Recorder here on Friday that the sowing of wheat crop was in full swing in various parts of the Punjab.

Ghee mills directors refused pre-arrest bail
The Special Court (Offences in Banking) on Saturday rejected pre-arrest bail applications of four directors of Fazl Din Ghee Mills, Iftikhar Adil, Raza Mouzzam, Syed Muhammad Zahin and Lukman Ellahi.

171,000 atta bags at discount for Rawalpindi
As per Punjab government announcement, 171,000 flour bags (of 20 kg) will be sold in Rawalpindi at the following points at concessional rates during holy month of Ramazan.

Strike hits wheat supply to NWFP, Pindi mills
Truckers strike has badly affected wheat supply to the mills, particularly in NWFP and the Rawalpindi division where commodity prices have jumped up from Rs 188 per 20-kg to Rs 195 and upward trend is feared in the coming days. Some of the mills have close down for non-availability of wheat for processing and rest are feared to follow suit if supply is not restored within next three to four days.

Exporters asked to make wheat shipment
The Pakistan Agricultural Supplies and Storage Corporation (Passco) has given notice to the private sector exporters to make shipment of wheat purchased from the government by 15th of this month.

Sugar price up by Rs 2 on advent of Ramazan
The general price hike during the holy month of Ramazan has also pushed up the price of sugar in retail by Rs 2 per kg.

All Pakistan Solvent Extraction Association offers to buy
All Pakistan Solvent Extraction Association (Apsea) has volunteered to purchase the entire produce of sunflower, a non-traditional oilseed crop, of the country at the rate of Rs. 630 per 40 kg during the current cropping season 2002-03.

Co-operatives department to give agri loans
Punjab Co-operatives Department is evolving a strategy to extend its agricultural loans on long-term basis to the farmers' community entwined with the network of co-operative societies spread across the province.

Punjab Provincial Co-operative Bank to disburse
The Punjab Provincial Co-operative Bank Limited (PPCBL) will disburse Rs 2.415 billion among small farmers across the province for Rabi crop. These loans will be disbursed only through registered co-operative societies.

14.8 million acres of land to be brought under wheat
As many as 14.8 million acres of land would be brought under wheat sowing during Rabi crop season in the Punjab. Official sources told APP here, sowing wheat crop is in full swing in various parts of the Punjab.

Rs 50 billion project proposed to raise saline lands
Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) has proposed a Rs 50 billion project to increase the profitability of saline lands with ultimate objective to root out poverty from Pakistan.

Retailers continue to sell fruits at exorbitant rates
Retailers in the city on Sunday continued to sell fruits at exorbitant rates and the government machinery virtually failed to control profiteering by the vendors.\

Fruit Recreation' issued licence for clean water production
Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority, (PSQCA) Ministry of Science & Technology, has issued licence to Fruit Re-Creations, producers of AAFI- ultra pure drinking water.

Export Promotion Bureau urged to finalis
The Pakistan Apple and Citrus Export Board has urged the Export Promotion Bureau to lift ban on export of Kinno in wooden crates to Sri Lanka as it is costing the country exports worth 12 million dollars and these will be reduced by two thirds.

Sindh chief secretary orders cheap atta supply
Sindh Chief Secretary K B Rind, taking serious cognizance of non-provision of cheap and quality wheat flour to Sunday Bazaar of Korangi, has ordered Sindh Food Secretary Imtiaz Kazi to arrange supply of the same to all Sunday Bazaars in Karachi.

Water, Power Development Authority to purchase Elec.
The Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) has decided to purchase power from the sugar mills, which is being generated from their indigenous source, bagasse, which is a by-product of the sugar industry. It is an important indigenous fuel that can be used to produce cheap electricity through an efficient process of co-generation.

Cane crushing in Sindh may not start by November 15
Sugar mills in Sindh, it seems, might refuse to adhere to the authority of Agriculture Department of Sindh Government by not resuming crushing by November 15 as notified "without consultation" of the stakeholders.

Sindh seeks permission to export 100,000 tones
Sindh Government has asked the Federal Government to allow immediate export of at least 100,000 tonnes of sugar or more for 2002-03 and at least 200,000 tonnes for 2003-04 with rebate of Rs 4 per Kg to reduce carryover stocks and improve liquidity of sugar industry. The rebate amount to be recovered from proposed export support fund.

Pakistan's Premium Poultry Concern Gears up for Export
K & N's Poultry Farms after acquiring M-Artal Poultry International (this company name is however up for a change) in December 2001 is now all set to diversify by enhancing it's production, upgrading customer services, adding to the product range with value-added lines and increasing market share on both domestic and export fronts.

National Bank of Pakistan invites applications for students
National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) has invited applications for Students Loan Scheme (SLS) up to December 4, 2002.

Punjab University starts master programme in Information
The University of Punjab (PU) has launched a two-year master programme in Information and Operational Management in its Institute of Statistics on Wednesday.

Punjab governor approves establishing of light machinery
Governor Punjab Lieutenant General Khalid Maqbool (Retd), chairing a meeting of Planning and Development Board in the city on Thursday, apprised that the survey of 500 feet on each sides of 77 kilometres of the Ring Road Project had been completed.

Artificial breeding experiments remain successful
For the first time in the history of Pakistan, experiments of artificial breeding of endangered fish specie became successful.

Punjab to spend Rs 127.96 million on livestock
Punjab Livestock Department will spend Rs 127.96 million on a special project to modernise local livestock farming and enhance the productivity of cattle in 15 experimental farms in the province.

Mangla Dam raising to benefit agri, power sectors
The Mangla Dam raising project will augment the supply of irrigation water at a time when the country is in dire need of it, besides generating additional power to provide cheap electricity to the people.

Farm Machinery Institute develops wheat straw blower
The Farm Machinery Institute (FMI) of National Agricultural Research Center (Narc) has developed a Wheat Straw Chopper-cum-Blower facilitating the farmers to save the uncut and unchopped wheat straw after combining.

Government, private sector, other stakeholders reminded
The Consultant to the Ministry of Commerce, Dr Tariq Banauri, has reminded the government, the private sector and other non-government stakeholders on trade policy of the WTO obligations regarding environment and sustainable development.

All Pakistan Textile Mills Association sets up WTO cell
All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) has established 'WTO Cell' headed by Abid Farooq at its zonal office in the provincial metropolis.

Foreign firms laud Chinese WTO reform, want more
China scores high marks for keeping its WTO promises so far, but endemic problems like hazy rules and disregard for intellectual property will take years to resolve, executives at a forum on WTO affairs said on Wednesday.

Guard Rice offers special package for Ramazan
The Guard Rice has offered its consumers a special package for Ramazan. According to a press release issued here on Wednesday, the company is offering 10 percent extra rice on every five and 10-kg rice bag of Guard Basmati during the month.

Trading Corporation of Pakistan gets 17 bids in wheat tender
Trading Corporation of Pakistan has received 17 bids in response to a tender for the export of 50,000 tonnes of wheat to be shipped in bulk, bags or containers, a TCP official said on Wednesday.

'Unsafe use of chemicals proved poison in food chain'
A four-member high-level Mid Term Review Mission of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) - European Union (EU) - headed by Dr Jeffrey King Wagge, Imperial College, Wye, United Kingdom (UK) called on the Chairman, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), Dr Badar-ud-Din Soomro, here at the PARC Headquarters.

Sindh cotton set to surpass 2 million bales target
Sindh cotton crop is poised to surpass the state-set target of two million bales, though with a narrow margin, despite the crop remained under water stress and erratic climatic conditions, resulting in decline in plant population by 10.46 percent and boll per plant by 1.60 percent compared to last year, particularly in cotton growing areas of lower Sindh.

Growers fear heavy losses due to decline in prices, pest attack
Tomato and melon growers of Badin and Thatta district fear heavy losses due to decline in the prices and pest attack.

Palm oil prices stable in Pakistan on firm local demand
Palm oil prices in Pakistan were stable during the last week on domestic buying, and dealers said on Tuesday traders were building up stocks ahead of a seasonal drop in the Malaysian palm crop.

Minister calls for promoting SME in information technology field
KARACHI The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises in its meeting held on Sunday at Unisame House requested Federal Science and Technology Minister Dr Ata-ur-Rehman to examine the scope for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Information Technology (IT) field.

Small, Medium Enterprises Bank launches 'business support services'
Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Bank has launched 'Business Support Services' for the facilitation of small and medium entrepreneurs.

Chemists Retailers Association to observe 'Demands Day'
Pakistan Chemists Retailers Association (PCRA) has decided to observe '' Demands Day'' on November 11 to press the authorities concerned for acceptance of their demands.

Regional commissioner told to consult dairy farmers
The Central Board of Revenue (CBR) has directed the Regional Commissioner of Income Tax (RCIT), Southern Region, Karachi to consult local dairy farmers of Karachi prior to renewal of agreement for payment of fixed income tax during 2002-03.

Water release demanded to save agri, marine life
The Provincial Irrigation Secretary, Hashim Leghari, has said that if water is not released downstream of Kotri Barrage, the agriculture will not only suffer serious setback in the Kotri to Indus Delta but also affect the marine life.

ADBP introduces reforms to improve performance
The ADBP's structural reforms focuses upon good governance, financial management, increase in farm productivity, streamlining institutional credit and enhancing operational performance. According to a press release issued here on Monday said, the resultant affect will be yielding to the rural and agriculture sectors for optimal growth.

Companies to issue seeds of approved varieties
Pakistan Tobacco Board, Peshawar, has asked the tobacco growers that they should not grow tobacco without proper agreements with tobacco companies.

EPB urged to lift ban on Kino export in wood
The Pakistan Apple and Citrus Export Board has urged the Export Promotion Bureau to lift ban on export of Kinno in wooden crates to Sri Lanka as it is costing the country exports worth 12 million dollars and these will be reduced by two thirds.

200,000 tonnes extra wheat to be disposed
Sindh Food Department will dispose of 200,000 tonnes of additional wheat through an open auction after the month of Ramazan, says Provincial Minister for Food and Forest Hasan Ali Chaniho here on Tuesday.

Work on raising Mangla, Tarbela dams under way
The up-raising of Mangla and Tarbela dams combined with certain projects to counter water shortage are being conducted to meet the water requirement of the country, said Punjab Irrigation Secretary Javed Majeed.

New US curbs on textile imports from Pakistan
The US government is likely to impose new restrictions such as anti-dumping and countervailing duty on imports of textile products from Pakistan and other countries after 2004 when the quota restrictions expire.

Agri Bank structural reforms to gear up farm sector
The structural reforms of the Agriculture Development Bank of Pakistan (ADBP) focuses on bringing about good governance, financial management, increase in farm productivity, streamlining institutional credit, and enhancing operational performance.

No wheat shortage in Ramazan, says Sindh Food Minister
Sindh Food Minister Hasan Ali Chaniho has directed the Sindh food department to ensure that benefits of supply of 0.2 million tonnes of subsidised wheat during Ramazan must reach the people and no shortcomings in this regard will be tolerated.

Commerce minister's statement about surplus sugar contested
Javed Kayani, Chairman Pakistan Sugar Mills Association, Punjab Zone, said here on Sunday that subsequent to the meeting of Governor Sindh with the Federal Minister of Commerce wherein Abdul Razak Dawood had said that sugar mills would have surplus to export after the crushing season 'is a distortion of facts'.

Mills link commencement of cane crushing with export of surplus sugar
While deploring delay in honouring commitment by the policy makers, the mill-owners have formally conveyed to the government that commencement of sugarcane crushing season 2002-03 would be subject to export of their surplus stocks and enhancement of import duty.

Expert recommends use of drip irrigation system
The drip irrigation system is very inexpensive and specially suited to developing countries like Pakistan to enhance their agriculture.

Rs 36 billion to be spent on agriculture development
An investment plan of Rs 36 billion has been prepared for the development of agriculture sector during the next 10 years.

Musharraf to open Chotiari reservoirs project
Sindh Secretary for Irrigation and Power Muhammad Hashim Leghari has said that President General Pervez Musharraf will soon inaugurate the Chotiari reservoirs project which has been completed as a result of hectic efforts of the concerned departments.

Many Muslim states have agreed to set up International Islamic Fund
Many Islamic countries, showing their interest for the establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Pakistan, have agreed upon setting up an International Islamic Fund, said the Federal Science, Technology and Education Minister, Professor Dr Ata-ur-Rehman here on Thursday.

Punjab University sets up nine new departments
The Punjab University (PU) has established nine new departments, centres and institutes besides launching 16 new courses in a short span of time.

Need for health education stressed
Different diseases including cancer, hepatitis, hypertension and diabetes are curable, provided the ailments are detected at early stages.

Nuclear Institute for Agriculture, Biology workshop on safety measures
The Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (Niab) would organise its ninth annual training course on "safety measures in the use of radiation in agriculture and biology" here from December 16 to 20.

Regularising drug prices
Medicines are supposed to be our life-saver against diseases but what if they are out of our reach. Does it mean low salary income person has no right to live if he/she gets sick? As the drug pricing issue is still being discussed and the Ministry of Health has failed to regularise the drug prices.

Businessmen urged to understand WTO rules
The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Acting Chief, Pervaiz Anwar Sheikh has stressed the need for educating the business community and government officials towards genuine adoption, re-orientation and sincere understanding of the issues for meaningful survival of the national economy in the new set of WTO rules.

Majlis-e-Amal leader assures support to businessmen
Naib Amir of Jamiat-e-Islami (JI) Professor Ghafoor Ahmed has lauded the vital role played by businessmen and industrialists in the development of nation and assured that Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) will work to solve problems faced by the business community on priority basis.

Pakistan explores new prospects to raise exports to China
Pakistan has explored new prospects to increase its seafood products to China, said a member of Pakistan's delegation which attended seafood Expo 2002 held at Qingdao this week.

Asian Development Bank preparing report
Miss Loh Ai Tee, Senior project economist and leader of a five-member delegation of Asian Development Bank (ADB), has said the delegation is visiting Pakistan to prepare a report on agriculture sector to present it for consideration of higher authorities so that funds could be allocated for this sector.

Seminar on WTO on November 5
WTO Cell, established by Punjab Agriculture Department, is organising a one-day seminar on WTO related issues here at Agriculture House on November 5.

Organic agriculture conference on November 3
Guard Research and Services and 'Jadeed Zarat' Society of Pakistan are organising first-ever organic agriculture conference here on November 3.

Agriculture subsidies a thorny topic at FTAA talks
Flanked by grinning fellow ministers from South America, US Trade Representative Robert Zoellick was painting a bright picture on Thursday of talks in Quito on creating an Americas-wide free trade area.

Nuclear Institute for Agriculture, Biology workshop
The Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (Niab) would organise its ninth annual training course on "safety measures in the use of radiation in agriculture and biology" here from December 16 to 20.

Ghee makers slam anti-dumping duty on tinplate import
The ghee industry has taken serious exception to National Tariff Commission's (NTC) exercise for levying anti-dumping duty on imported tinplate, claiming that the applicant (Siddique Sons) was being provided undue concessions at the cost of national exchequer.

Fish harbour a victim of official apathy
The lack of proper strategy and non-implementation on the existing rules and regulations are gravely jeopardising the fate of the Karachi Fish Harbour, which is one of the largest sources of foreign exchange earning in the country.

Over 50 percent rice crop destroyed due to water shortage
More than 50 percent of paddy crop has been destroyed during the current year due to shortage of irrigation water.

Sugar industry emerging as major export sector: minister
Minister for Commerce, Industries and Production, Abdul Razak Dawood, said Friday the country's sugar industry is emerging as a major exporting one in the foreign trade sector and it is expected to play a vital role in boosting exports.

ADB may double Agri. business loan to Pakistan
A 5-member Asian Development Bank (ADB) visiting mission has conveyed to the officials in Islamabad during their meetings here that agri business promotion loan to Pakistan could be extended from $100 million to $200 million subject to successful fulfillment of its conditionality.

Foreign bankers meet ADBP chairman
A delegation of bankers from Turkey, Iran, Egypt, Malaysia and Jordan called on Istaqbal Mehdi, Chairman, Agricultural Development Bank of Pakistan (ADBP) here on Thursday.

Pak-Oman Company approves Rs 750 million for projects
Pak Oman Investment Company has approved disbursements of approximately Rs.750 million for financing projects within food & beverages, chemicals & fertilizer, textile, telecommunications and cement sectors. The Board Meeting of Pak Oman Investment Company was held on October 30, 2002 at Dubai.

Study shows not plenty more fish in the sea
The world's growing population and over-fishing will mean around one billion people in developing countries will face shortages of fish, their most important source of protein, within 20 years.

Rs 100 million project to promote breeding technology
Punjab Livestock & Dairy Development Department has launched a project costing Rs 100 million for increasing production of meat and milk in the province. Under the project, latest technology regarding breeding of livestock would be promoted through media.

Sri Lanka lifts ban on rice import from Pakistan
Sri Lanka has lifted a two-year long ban on rice import and cut duty, removing the last ditch in the way of Free Trade Agreement (PTA) with Pakistan.

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