|
|
|
| 11 April 2005 | Monday | 01 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1426 |
Rs25bn to be injected into economy: PM: Increase in wheat support price
ISLAMABAD, April 10: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Sunday said the government had increased the support price of wheat from Rs350 to Rs400 per 40kg which made a positive impact on the production of wheat. He said this during his visit to the rain-fed (barani) areas of Attock district to assess the status of standing wheat crop. Prime Minister Aziz said the increase in the price would inject an extra amount of Rs25 billion into the rural economy.
He visited Shadi Khel, Shamsabad and other tehsils where farmers informed him that they were happy since the wheat crop this year was much better.
The most significant aspect contributing towards the increase in per acre yield was the timely availability of inputs at reasonable prices, the farmers said.
He said two third of the population lived in the rural areas of the country, therefore, the government was taking practical steps to provide them with gas, electricity, potable water and basic health and educational facilities.
During his visit to Chach, the prime minister announced provision of natural gas to the area.
Minister of State for Environment Malik Amin Aslam, Provincial Minister Shuja Khanzada and Attock District Nazim Maj (retired) Tahir Sadiq thanked the prime minister for fulfilling the long standing demand of the local people.
Meanwhile, Minister for Food and Agriculture Sikandar Hayat Bosan on Sunday said the government was making every possible effort for the welfare of farmers.
The minister, in a statement, said Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz had laid the foundation for a green revolution in the country.
He said the farmers must also join the endeavours of the prime minister and stand shoulder to shoulder with him.
Quoting the example of increase in support price of wheat, he said Mr Aziz was making relentless efforts for the benefit of the farmers who formed 60 per cent of the total population.
Mr Bosan said farmers were now benefiting from the agricultural loaning facility from commercial banks, besides the Zarai Taraqiati Bank.
The government has given Rs3 billion subsidy to contain the price of urea fertilizer and reviewed the import policy to meet the shortage of tractors, he added.
He also referred to a tractor manufacturing factory recently set up in Sheikhupura.
The minister said the government also encouraged local production of pesticides and insecticides to ensure quality standards and easy availability.
Mr Bosan said the government was taking various steps from time to time to provide relief to the farmers and improve their living standards.—APP
|
|
|
|