ISLAMABAD: Agriculture was the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and the government was taking steps to support this important sector, said Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday.

Chairing a meeting regarding procurement of basmati rice, the PM expressed his concern over falling price of the product due to international factors.

He directed the ministries of finance and food security to submit a proposal for providing subsidy to the growers.

He asked the ministries to come up with a plan within six weeks through which cost of agricultural inputs can be brought down to make the grower comfortable in the local market and competitive in the international market.

The PM also directed submission of a proposal regarding provision of solar panels on soft loans for installation of tube-wells for the sector.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar; Minister for National Food Security Sikandar Bosan, Special Assistant to the PM Dr Musadik Malik; Secretary National Food Security and Secretary Commerce attended the meeting along with senior government officials.

Published in Dawn, November 20th , 2014