ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to give subsidy to cotton growers on seed, fertiliser and white fly eradication with a view to boosting production which has been on the decline for years, Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhr Imam said here on Friday.

Briefing a group of newsmen, Mr Imam said that subsidy would be provided directly to farmers through the provincial governments, and in this connection the subsidy plan was approved by the economic coordination committee of the cabinet on Friday. According to the formula, subsidy funds through provinces would be provided on the basis of cultivated area and disbursement to farmers as per their existing mechanisms.

The minister was of the view that the formula for subsidy should be expanded in Pakistan as several countries, including the United States, other North American countries and European Union states, were providing subsidies to farmers on variety of crops and inputs. He indicated that the minimum wheat support price for the coming wheat crop was expected to be enhanced.

Minister says subsidy will be provided directly to farmers through provincial governments

According to the ‘Agriculture Transformation Plan 2021’ submitted to the prime minister, the government will announce a subsidy of Rs1,200 per acre on seed to cover four million acres during the upcoming Kharif season. The plan will provide 70 per cent coverage of white fly menace. Mr Imam stated that the ministry is working on a web portal to make farmers aware of the application of inputs at the right time and use of pesticides in the event of any pest attack.

Secretary National Food Security and Research, Ghufran Memon, who was present on the occasion, stated that a crackdown against companies selling sub-standard seeds has been started. It has been proposed that only those seed companies which are already selling certified seeds, not more than 200, will be allowed to carry out seed business, he said.

Mr Imam informed reporters that the plant breeders bill and seed bill had been in dormant mode as the agriculture sector being the backbone of the national economy had been badly neglected in the past. Agriculture sector is among the priority sectors of the present government, and for the first time, active work on the implementation of the two bills is being actively started.

Under the agriculture transformation plan, the Ministry of National Food Security is proposing amendments in the seed business regulations rules of 2016 to the cabinet committee for disposal of legislative cases, and a PC-1 is being submitted to the planning commission for consumer-sourcing seed authenticity.

Mr Imam further said that the application of research and technology for the development of agriculture is the top priority of the government, and the role of middleman will be eliminated.

In response to a question about different committees working on agriculture, including the National Assembly Speaker’s special committee on agricultural commodities, Mr Fakhr Imam said that recommendations of all the committees will be harmonised, and this indicate that how the government is serious about the promotion of agriculture in the country.

Published in Dawn, February 20th, 2021