Agro zones, markets being set up in 8 major cities: CM aide

KARACHI: The Advisor to CM for Agriculture presided over a review meeting of ongoing and new Agriculture ADP Schemes 2021-22 held at Committee Room of Secretary, Agriculture Department, Sindh Secretariat Karachi.

According to a statement on Wednesday, the meeting was attended by Secretary, Agriculture, DGs Extension, Research, Engineering, Water Management, representatives of Finance Department and Planning and Development and other related officers. Wassan while discussing with the officers said that the ongoing agriculture schemes in Sindh should be completed soon, he would not tolerate any dereliction in completion of schemes.

He said that early completion of Sindh government projects and early launch of newly announced schemes were among the priorities of the Sindh government. Wassan asked the officers what are the reasons that schemes have not been completed yet, to which the DG briefed that 22 new schemes had been set up next year, some of which will be completed in December next year.

Wassan further told that Agro Export Processing Zones, vegetables, Fruit Markets are being set up in 8 major cities of Sindh i.e. Karachi, Nawabshah, Hyderabad, Khairpur, Ghotki, Badin, Mirpurkhas and Naushero Feroze at the estimated cost of Rs. 490 (million).

Wassan further told that the work of Fertilizer Testing Laboratory had been completed in Larkana. It will be inaugurated on December 15, 2021 and other will be completed soon in other cities also. Wassan said that 4 sugarcanes, rice and wheat schemes have been made by the federation for which the budget has not been released by them yet, as soon as the budget is released the schemes will be started.

Wassan while giving final warning to the officers directed that all the agricultural development schemes should be completed as soon as possible and legal action would be taken against those who do not work. He directed the Secretary, Agriculture department to formulate an agricultural subsidy policy for the farmers of Sindh.

Giving a briefing, DG Water Management Tharomal said that 12 office buildings were being constructed in Water Management in the province, some of which had been completed and the rest were under construction. DG Research, DG Extension and Engineering also gave briefing on the schemes.