HYDERABAD (March 18 2004): President General Pervez Musharraf, in his message to 10th Congress of Soil Science held at the Sindh Agriculture University, Tando Jam, said the key objectives of the government policy are to achieve sustainable growth in agriculture for national food security and self-reliance, adding land and water management are vital areas of concern, heightened by the depletion of water resources in the country during recent years.

He said the elements of agricultural strategy include enhancing per hectare productivity through price incentives, supply services, market reforms, rehabilitation of degraded lands, irrigation systems, and on-farm water management.

The President said the government is encouraging supportive policy an institutional environment for meaningful private investment in the sector for quality agricultural products that are able to compete in the international markets.

He said he was delighted to note that the researchers in the agriculture sector from all over the country and abroad are assembling at the Sindh Agriculture University to deliberate on Management of Natural Resources for food security, and hoped that the Congress will come out with a set of recommendations based on scientific evidence to combat the degradation of natural resources, and suggest measures for their efficient use to increase crop productivity, farmers' income and ensure food security.

PRIME MINISTER:
Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali, in his message to Soil Science Congress, said that water and land are the most precious resources bestowed by nature on mankind, but the rapid expansion in population and the increased use of water and land for non-agricultural purposes has put added pressure on these valuable resources.

He said our 70 percent of the population lives in rural areas, and depends directly or indirectly for its livelihood on agriculture, adding, therefore, it is appropriate that issues of land and water are properly addressed not only to increase crop productivity, but also to enhance the profitability of small farmers to eradicate rural poverty.

The prime minister said it is gratifying that researchers in agricultural sciences from all over the country and abroad have gathered at the Sindh Agriculture University to discuss issues of land degradation and its rehabilitation, adding he shall watch deliberations of the Congress with interest and look forward to their recommendations.

PROFESSOR DR ATTA-UR-REHMAN:
Federal Ministry of Science and Technology Minister In-charge Professor Dr Atta-ur-Rehman, in his message to the Congress of Soil Science, said the natural resources cannot be treated in isolation, they are interact with agriculture development, economics, hunger, poverty, and population.

He said our agricultural scientists have to work tirelessly as our crop yield in many cases are less than half of those of India and less than one-third of those in Egypt.

This is a major challenge and represents our failure to deliver in this important area.

In assessing the prospects for food security and sustainability, it is, therefore, imperative to analyse the contributing factor of rural poverty-related issues of agricultural resources and technology, and the causes of our failure.

Dr Atta said land degradation lowers the production potential of soils, affecting environment, forests and whole ecosystem. If unchecked, it can lead to irreversible loss of the natural resources on which agricultural production depends, he added.

He said the direct causes of degradation are a combination of natural hazards, unsuitable land management, and poor farming practice, adding there is a link between population increase, poverty and degradation. I am sure that all relevant issues regarding management of natural resources for sustainable agricultural growth will be discussed in detail.

Dr Atta said the Congress would provide a unique opportunity to researchers, educationists, farmers and extension workers to interact and exchange their views for optimum utilisation of land and water resources for sustainable agricultural growth and environmental protection.

He said the venue of the Congress at the Sindh Agriculture University is appropriate since it provides an academic and research environment with rural background, and hoped that the deliberations on the relevant issues by the participants of the Congress will generate a set of recommendations for policy-makers. I wish the Congress all success.

SARDAR YAR MUHAMMAD RIND:
Federal Food and Agriculture Minister Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind, in his message to the Congress, said that Pakistan is faced with the problems of land degradation due to poor water management, deforestation and overgrazing, adding the soil erosion, salinity, compaction, low soil fertility and other forms of soil degradation having negative impact on crop productivity and farmers income.

He said these factors are contributing to rural poverty which, if not checked, might spill to urban areas, and hoped that the Congress will come up with strategy to address these concerns.

DR ISHRATUL IBAD:
Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad, in his message to the Congress, said Sindh offers a unique setting where most of the fields, fruit and vegetable crops can be grown, adding a significant proportion of Sindh soils are, however, affected by salinity and under grounds water is brackish.

He said Tando Jam being the agriculture city and the hub of R&D activities offers opportunities to the scientists to effectively participate and contribute to the cause of the Congress, as scientists from all over the country and abroad, including a significant number of students are attending the Congress, I, therefore, welcome the participation in this event of high significance to the nation. I am confident that the days of deliberations will thrash out the issues thoroughly and work out a set of recommendations befitting the Congress theme.

Courtesy Business Recorder