The Federal Minister for Agriculture Sikandar Hayyat Bosan on Monday said the Kharif crops would have 24 per cent excessive water this year as compared to the previous year. Speaking in a PTV programme, he said last year Kharif crops got 59 lac (maf) while this year they would get 72 lac (maf) water. He said after registering record increase in the production of cotton crop, all times record wheat crop was in the offing. The country would have 21.2 million tons wheat crops, which would suffice not only the domestic needs but would be surplus for export also, the Minister said.
Sikandar Hayyat Bosan expressed hope that Pakistan would become self-sufficient in all agriculture products in the days to come.
Enumerating the factor behind better production of agriculture sector he said, first of all it is the blessing of Almighty Allah for sufficient and timely rainfalls. Secondly, he said the government has taken certain steps which motivated the growers for timely cultivation and better handling of farming techniques during the process.
He said in past the farmers used to cultivate 60 per cent of the entire wheat cultivation area during the month of December, which resulted in low yield. Last year, the government launched an aggressive campaign to educate farmers for timely cultivation, and the result was very encouraging, he said adding 55 per cent cultivation was done during November.
The Minister said one day's delay in wheat cultivation after November 20 caused 20 kg less yield per acre, and the farmers were getting familiar to that aspect. He said the government also made appropriate arrangements to ensure timely and convenient provision of other inputs.
The government purchased huge stock of Urea for Rs 1150 per bag and sold it to the farmers for Rs 450 per bag. The minister further said that for the first time support price of wheat crop was fixed timely adding in past the prices was fixed after the harvest.
To a question, he said there existed great potential for the export of fruits and vegetables and the government was making full efforts to utilise it. He said Pakistan's citrus fruits and the mangoes were getting popular the world over. Mango has made its place in the European markets while MoUs have been signed with China and Iran for its export. He said the protocol for export of Kinno would be signed with China during the visit of Chinese Premier. Protocol would also be signed with China for the export of 'Irri' rice which was mostly produced in Balochistan and Sindh provinces, he added.
He said the government was pursuing farmers friendly policies and day was not far when the community would become financially strong.
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