HYDERABAD, May 10: Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim has directed the agriculture department to set up a seed research committee for introducing new and high-yield varieties of seeds.
Presiding over a meeting of the Sindh Seed Corporation and agriculture department here on Monday evening, he pointed out that the fundamental purpose of reactivating the corporation was also to promote agriculture.
According to a government handout, the chief minister, taking notice of growers’ complaints, said the research body should not only evolve new varieties of seeds, but also guide farmers.
Dr Rahim said the government of Sindh had decided to allocate Rs50 million to make the seed corporation effective, and expressed the hope that within two years, the corporation would prove its credibility.
The chief minister said surplus staff of the corporation would be offered golden handshake.
He directed the DIG Hyderabad to get the bungalow of the corporation, which was in the possession of the police department, vacated within 48 hours and submit a compliance report.
He also directed officials of the agriculture department to appoint a vigilance committee to ensure supply of standard seeds and fertilizers to growers.
He said growers’ representatives should also be included in the monitoring body and strict action should be taken against profiteers and dealers selling spurious and adulterated pesticides, fertilizers and seeds.
The managing director of the corporation, Mr Shams Jafrani, briefed the chief minister on the working of his organisation.
MEMORANDUM: Qasimabad Shopkeepers Association president Haji Rasool Bux Shaikh on Monday submitted a memorandum to the chief minister about problems of the Qasimabad taluka.
The document draws the attention of the chief minister to the increase in population of the taluka, demanding that Qasimabad should be divided into 12 union councils.
It also demanded establishment of a meat, fruit and vegetable market in Qasimabad, as a plot was available with the Hyderabad Development Authority (HAD).
It pointed out that Qasimabad did not have its police station or DSP office as a result of which people had to face difficulties and demanded that the two facilities be set up at a suitable place.
It said that no funds had been released for the Qasimabad government hospital.
The memorandum requested for proper attention to the hospital, and demanded establishment of coronary, paediatrics and gynaecology wards in the hospital.
It said that at least 30 acres should be earmarked for graveyard. A mosque and a girls school building should be constructed in Naseem Nagar and the working of Hilal-i-Ahmer hospital be streamlined. It lashed out at the builders mafia and complained that with the connivance of the HDA, amenity plots were encroached upon and demanded an enquiry into the matter.
It complained that there was no playground for children in Qasimabad and requested for setting up of a playground and community hall.
