KARACHI: Chief Secretary Sindh Dr Muhammad Sohail Rajput said on Wednesday that water scarcity in Karachi had become a serious problem, so there was need to use sea water as an alternative.
“We as a nation must also change the way we use water and energy. Keeping in view the water scarcity in the country, modern technology can be used to increase the agricultural production,” he said while addressing a ceremony organized by Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) in Karachi. The ceremony was also attended by representatives of the association and Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Speaking on the occasion, the REAP representatives said that there had been a dispute between Pakistan and India over the Geographical Indicator (GI) tag of Basmati rice and the Sindh government had strengthened Pakistan’s case by providing timely data on Basmati rice production. They further said that housing societies were being established on agricultural lands in many areas of Sindh province which could lead to food shortage in the future.
Chief Secretary Sindh Dr Muhammad Sohail Rajput said that India had tried to harm Pakistan’s rice exports to the European Union, but Pakistan had fought well for the GI tag. He further stated the economic situation of the country is very critical at the moment.
“The difference between our exports and imports is huge,” said CS Sindh. He further added that the country was facing a trade deficit of 15 billion dollars. He further stated that IT exports in the country was only 27 million dollars which needed to be increased. Rajput further said that information technology is a sector in which we can train the youth in a short period of time and fit them for employment and businesses.
He further stated that other countries had boosted the agricultural sector by using technology but Pakistan was lagging behind in this sector. He further said that for rice export, attention needed to be paid to the African continent and exporters must find new markets to increase exports.
The federal government had decided to work five days a week due to the energy crisis. The Sindh government has also abolished the 40% petrol quota of officers and cabinet members. At the end of the ceremony, Rajput sought suggestions from the rice exporters to increase rice production and exports in the Sindh province.