September 18, 2006	Monday	Sha'aban 24, 1427

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GILGIT, Sept 17: The Northern Areas adviser for agriculture, livestock, forestry and information, Sikander Ali, has laid stress on adoption of modern technology so that farmers are able to enhance their produce.

During a briefing on Sunday, the adviser said that the administration was making concerted efforts to provide technology to farmers so that they are able to raise their information and awareness about the importance of agricultural activities as a major source of income.

Mr Sikander Ali said that the fertility of the soil in Northern Areas was high which was why various varieties of crops and fruits were being produced there which had gained popularity in the country and abroad.

He urged the agriculture department to devote its time and energies for bringing about improvements in agro-pastoral activities.

He said adoption of modern agriculture practices and techniques would bring an autarky of grains and asked the department to place a check on the import of substandard and infected seeds.

Speaking on this occasion, the Northern Areas secretary forests and agriculture Suleman Wali said that they had been importing 90 per cent disease-free potato seeds which were being sowed on 6,483 acres in the region, adding that 22,000 metric tons of potatoes had been produced last season.

He said that through improved methods they were able to export potatoes not only to other cities but also to foreign countries, which would be a major source of foreign exchange.