Islamabad, July 14, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Honorable Minister, National Food Security and Research, Syed Fakhar Imam, addressed the participants of the International Conference on “Best practices for building sustainable Food Systems in OIC Region”, held in virtual format on 14th July, 2021. This conference was organized by the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) in collaboration with various international research organizations. Honorable Minister informed that Pakistan is blessed with a rich natural resource base for agriculture. We are among the top ten procedures of Wheat, Rice, Sugarcane and certain fruits. However, despite having one of the world-best alluvial soils and the best irrigation system; we could not fully harness the potential of our agricultural sector.
Main issues of our agriculture sector include lack of quality seed, cold storage facilities, farm mechanization, trained manpower, post-harvest management, processing industries, and digital agriculture platforms etc. Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan, our government has prioritized agriculture sector.
We are working to diversify this sector, by enhancing focus on high value horticultural crops, oilseeds and pulses. Our government is also taking keen interest in livestock breed improvement, water conservation and promoting farm mechanization. We are supporting farmers by furnishing quality seed of improved varieties, providing farm machinery at subsidized rates, and disseminating improved production packages.
Due to the excellent agricultural policies of our government; despite COVID pandemic and locust attack, the production of wheat, rice, maize and sugarcane has increased to a record level. This year has been remarkable for agriculture sector of Pakistan, and our economy got a boost with the record agricultural production, indicating a lesser reliance on food imports in 2021-22. Additionally, due to our favourable policies and interventions, the exports of agro-commodities have also increased significantly.
Considering the role of provinces, our government is also engaging diversified stakeholders as the best tactic for building sustainable food system in Pakistan. These strategic initiatives will help to improve public health situation, which is reflecting high rates of stunting.
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