January 13, 2008	Sunday	Muharram 03, 1429

KARACHI, Jan 12: Prime Minister Mohammadmian Soomro has assured the rice exporters of taking immediate measures to increase rice production by increasing per acre yield which would be achieved by developing new rice seeds through extensive research and development.

He said that the rice research institutes at Dhokri and Kala Shah Kaku would be asked to give the desired results and Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) representative would be put on their managements.

The prime minister was talking to a delegation of rice exporters at a hi-tea given in his honour by the former chairman of REAP, Abdul Rahim Janoo, recently.

He further said that the REAP delegation would soon be invited to Islamabad for a presentation on problems and issues faced by rice exporters and also welcome their suggestions.

On a point raised by a REAP member about the fate of RECP godowns at Pipri, the prime minister said soon some pragmatic action would be taken with regard to their utilisation.

Mohammadmian Soomro asked rice traders to strengthen hands of the government by bringing prices down in the domestic market and assured that all measures were being taken to improve law and order situation in the country.

He also promised to arrange a meeting of REAP delegation with the IG Sindh.

The prime minister said that the federal food and agriculture minister would be asked to hold a meeting with REAP members to discuss about rice variety 386 and also to find ways and means to increase exports without disturbing local market.

Abdul Rahim Janoo speaking on the occasion said the Mohammadmian Soomro is a patron of rice trade and visited REAP as Governor of Sindh, chairman of Senate and acting president.

He further said that Mr Soomro was always available to solve rice traders problems and help in getting Nooriabad’s Rice Zone.

Due to his afforts, Mr Janoo said all stakeholders of rice, including growers, millers and exporters, are now working in harmony in the larger interest of rice trade.

The prime minister was informed that REAP would achieve export target this year in value term because of high prices but export in quantity term would be down due to crop shortage.