Islamabad
Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday chaired meeting to review progress on implementation regarding Agricultural Transformation Plan and Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
Meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Asad Umar, Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiyar, Advisor to PM Abdul Razzaq Dawood, SAPM Dr. Shebaz Gill, Chairman BOI, Azfar Ahsan, Chairman CPEC Khalid Mansoor, Chief Secretaries of all provinces and relevant senior officials.
Prime Minister Imran Khan, while addressing the meeting said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, for the very first time in the history had chalked out a comprehensive agricultural transformation plan and is implementing it on priority basis.
He said that mechanization of Agriculture Sector, provision of quality seed, efficient water management system and assistance in livestock farming were transforming the sector into a high yielding economic entity.
“With the introduction of Kissan card, subsidy on fertilizer and genetic improvement of livestock, the government is aiming to achieve even higher yields as compared to the record yield in the previous year.” The prime minister said, while talking to participants.
Meeting was informed that for quality seed dissemination to increase the average yield and quality of the produce, relevant approvals have been taken and fund release is in process. For genetic improvement of livestock import of quality semen was proposed, the process is expedited and is given high priority. Moreover to assist the livestock farmers, 9211 helpline has been revived in Punjab while it is nearly complete in KP and Balochistan.
Meeting was also informed that the project for mechanization of farming is near to its completion whereby distribution of machinery to the farmers will start soon. This will help to not only increase the yield, but will also help cut the farming costs. In addition to the above, the development of a comprehensive and well managed Information and Communication Technology system for agriculture sector, including extension services to assist farmers will also be launched in the first quarter of the coming year.
Prime Minister directed to take strict action against hoarders and profiteers and those involved in smuggling of Urea Fertilizer.
Regarding Special Economic Zones (SEZs), the premier said our government’s focus is to increase investment in the SEZs for establishment of export oriented industries.
He said government’s business friendly policies and focus on ease of doing business has started rendering positive results.
The meeting was given detailed presentations on SEZs and Initiatives taken by BOI, CPEC Authority and relevant ministries to facilitate investors in obtaining NOCs and complying to different regimes both under provincial and federal governments.
