ISLAMABAD, Jan 6: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani directed the ministry of finance on Tuesday to release budgeted funds for the ministry of agriculture for smooth running of its projects.

Presiding over a meeting held to assess the performance of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture here, he said the food storage capacity should be increased by involving private sector.

He said that the agricultural sector was the backbone of national economy and required an innovative and demand-driven research and knowledge-based development system. He said the ministry should take measures to increase crop yields by introducing certified seeds and modern technology.

He called for improvements in rural infrastructure and agriculture marketing and asked the ministry to induct qualified professionals in the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC).

He stressed the need for better water management, supply of quality seeds, fertiliser and pesticides to accelerate agricultural growth and achieve self-sufficiency in food.

He urged the ministry to coordinate with the regional initiative to set up seed banks, like in D-8 countries.

Mr Gilani called for improving the quality of human resource in public sector and ensuring merit-based selection. “A smaller and capable public sector could deliver more effectively than large and inefficient pool of employees.”

Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture Nazar Mohammad Gondal, the secretary of agriculture and chairman of PARC briefed the prime minister on the ministry’s efforts to accelerate farm mechanisation and research and development, improve the efficiency of water use and promote good agriculture practices.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Sardar Assef Ahmad Ali.