ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has voiced his opinion that agriculture is the backbone of our economy. Recent devastating floods have damaged our prized farmland but the government, he added, is committed to revive agriculture.
The government has decided to provide free seeds and fertilizers to the farmers holding 25 acres of land.
In addition, the provincial governments will aid the farmers to get better yield by providing them insecticides and educate them regarding optimal use of resources, added the prime minister.
The Prime Minister expressed these views while speaking to Dr. Zafar Altaf, Chairman, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC). The prime minister said that the responsibility resting upon PARC’s shoulders in the wake of recent devastating floods is very high.
PARC is the apex agricultural research organization at national level and must coordinate with other state units to strengthen the agricultural sector. The farmers must be well versed in new techniques and the use of farm machinery. The concerted efforts of research institutions, added the Prime Minister, could potentially revolutionize the agricultural economy of the country.
Chairman, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council apprised the Prime Minister of various projects undertaken by Pakistan Agricultural Research Council.
Major projects include launch of Benazir TV and FM Radio Station to educate growers about agriculture technology in basic and simple formats. The channel will cater to the needs of 6.6 million farmer households nationwide.
The Pakistan Agricultural Research Council has cultivated high density crop-yields of mangoes and pears, with optimal use of good quality seeds, in areas with a low water table.