ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Textile Industry, Khurram Dastagir on Friday informed National Assembly that government was variously pursing legal framework for the welfare of farmers , protection and uplift of agricultural sector.
Replying to a question, he said that plant breeders act had been approved, adding Seed Act and Plant Safety Act and other legislation were in pipeline to address various problems related to agricultural sector.
He said that legislation was also being done for the provision of quality seeds and pesticides to farmers to enhance yield and productivity.
He said that total country demand stood at 16 million Bales but during the current crop year (2015-16) cotton production drastically lowered to 11.38 million bales.
He said that low production is mainly attributed to lowering cotton area and establishment of sugar industry in the cotton zones, which restrict the expansion in cotton area, rather resulted in reduction of some of the best cotton areas.
He said that during the last six years cotton sowing target area of 3.2 million hectares could not be achieved.
The minister that non-availability of certified cottonseed with desirable germination and purity; in effective extension services, high input cost and non-assurance of commodity prices are some other reasons of low productivity in the country.
He said that government was concentrating on research in agriculture , adding Pakistan Central Cotton Committee, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission's Research facilities, Provincial Agriculture Department and Public Sector Universities are also engaged in Research and Development in Cotton and developed many leading cotton varieties.
The minister said climate change phenomenon resulted in unprecedented rains and high temperature was one of the main reasons of lower production.
Lower cotton prices during the early crop season lead to lose of growers interest in crop management.
He said that field surveys revealed 4 percent reduction in spray; 16 percent in irrigation; 13 percent in Nitrogen fertilizer application, and 11 percent reduction in Potash fertilizer application. The conducive weather for white flies and pink bollworm resulted in flare up of these pests and caused huge losses, he added.
The minister informed that after lifting of sanction, import of Rice would start to Iran, adding Indonesia would also import one million ton rice from Pakistan.
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