RAWALPINDI: Both short- and long-term plans have been worked out by the Government to tide over the food crisis caused by a shortfall in food production this year due to the worst drought all over West Pakistan. The gap is expected to be to the extent of about 2,000,000 tons which is to be met through imports and out of reserves.

The overall food situation was reviewed at a recently held special Cabinet meeting, with President Ayub in the chair. Governor Amir Mohammad Khan also took part in the Cabinet deliberations.

The unprecedented long spell of drought is believed to have damaged at least 30 per cent winter crop. Though un-irrigated (Barani) areas of northern West Pakistan are the worst hit, considerable damage has also been reported from the southern parts of the province depending on canals’ network for irrigation. Since the rivers are flowing at bed level, canals cannot draw the required supplies to meet the full water requirements.

As a short-term measure to overcome food shortage the Government is believed to have decided to go for extensive procurements of Rabi crops. This will help in building up reserves for the scarcity from September onwards. In addition, potato growing will be encouraged and the use of potatoes will be popularised as a substitute for cereals to relieve pressure on wheat.

[Meanwhile, as reported by agencies from Moscow,] Russia’s moon station, Luna-9, will finish its research programme tonight [Feb 5], the Soviet News agency “Tass” announced today.

The eager and excited Russian public, meanwhile, still waited to see the spectacular television pictures of the moonscape taken by the probe’s cameras.

For the first time “Tass” revealed the exact point where the probe settled gently on the lunar surface in the desolate Ocean of Storms on Thursday evening.

Published in Dawn, February 6th, 2016