Lahore: Meeting convened under leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and once again attended by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif focused on addressing challenges confronting agriculture sector in province.

Meeting, held to discuss agricultural issues, emphasiaed need to overcome persistent hurdles hindering sector’s progress. During meeting, agriculture secretary provided comprehensive briefing, shedding light on prevailing challenges faced by Punjab’s agriculture. One significant concern highlighted by Nawaz Sharif was longstanding issue of inadequate quality seeds despite passage of four decades.  Special meeting was presided over by Nawaz Sharif and CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif regarding Department of Agriculture.

Decision was made to bring amendments to Fertilizer and Pesticide Act, with instructions to ensure prompt issuance of loans upon farmers’.In addition to seed quality, attention was drawn towards efficient utilisation of water resources in Punjab. Nawaz Sharif stressed importance of conserving water, advocating for preservation of 37 million area feet of water from wastage.

Nawaz Sharif emphasised need for simplified loan eligibility procedure, ensuring swift issuance of loans to farmers upon application.

Maryam Nawaz emphasised importance of establishing robust monitoring and feedback mechanism to ensure effective implementation of loan scheme.

Additionally, meeting approved pilot project for recruitment of agriculture officers and field assistants to enhance agricultural services at grassroots level.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 02 2024

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