QUETTA: President Dr Arif Alvi on Tuesday underlined the need for evolving a comprehensive strategy to resolve the issue of water shortage and increase agricultural production in Balochistan.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of Balochistan Green Tractor Programme, the president lauded the ongoing projects launched by the provincial government for promotion of the agriculture sector, including the tractor scheme.

In Balochistan, he said, immense potential existed for promotion of agriculture, fisheries, livestock and other sectors.

Dr Alvi gave the example of Vietnam that he said having a coastline smaller than Balochistan’s had increased its annual fisheries exports from $300 million to $10 billion. He said that with China alone spending $70bn per annum on the import of Halal meat, huge foreign exchange could be earned through livestock.

Balochistan Governor Zahoor Ahmed Agha, Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Minister for Agriculture Zamarak Khan Piralizai also spoke on the occasion.

The president, while speaking to the lawmakers at Governor House, said Gwadar would become an important trade and economic hub of the country by connecting Balochistan with Central Asia.

The president also held a meeting with the governor and chief minister to discuss the security situation and development projects in Balochistan.

Published in Dawn, August 4th, 2021