Zehri promoting agriculture, livestock in Balochistan

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture Livestock and Dairy Development Mir Israrullah Zehri has said that agriculture and livestock will be promoted on priority basis in Balochistan to capitalize on the natural potentials of the province.

The minister said it in a meeting with Speaker Balochistan Assembly, Muhammad Aslam Bhotani here on Tuesday.

"I have already directed Soil Survey of Pakistan (SSP) to share their valuable data with the provincial agriculture extension department of the province so that the land suitability is exploited to its maximum

potential", he said, adding that Balochistan has huge potential for livestock and dairy development and they were trying to strengthen this sector as well.

"The depleting water resources are also a big challenge and modern irrigation practices would greatly help to overcome this issue", he added.

Muhammad Aslam Bhotani apprised the minister about the issues regarding the agriculture sector of the province, especially Vinder Palm Oil Project.

Zehri assured that issues of Vinder Palm Oil Project will be resolved on priority basis.

He added that agriculture and livestock is the only means of livelihood of the majority of the people in Balochistan the ministry will do its maximum to launch productive and sustainable agricultural programmes in the province.

"I would take up the issue of funds releases to Vinder Palm Oil Project with the concerned quarters and try to resolve it in the near future, Non-payment of salaries to the project employees is really a serious issue and I will direct the related authority to do the needful in this regard", added the minister.