On behalf of the Agriculture Department, Government of Sindh, I am pleased to welcome you to the 5th Edition of Livestock, Dairy, Fisheries, Poultry & Agriculture Exhibition & Seminar 2015 at Expo Center Karachi Pakistan. This exhibition is a platform to improve communication with agribusiness entrepreneurs, medium and large agriculture producers, co-operatives, traders, retailers, wholesalers, and potential investors in Sindh's agribusiness sector.
Pakistan is an agriculture based economy but a wide gap lies between yield, productivity and export earning of Pakistan compare with other countries. Economic development of Sindh is largely dependent on the progress and growth of Agriculture Sector.
Although, Sindh contributes significantly towards overall national agriculture production However, there is a gap for Technological advancement, adaptation of efficient and effective methods of production, value addition and establishment of cold chains. We believe if technologically advanced methods for production and preservation will be adapted and replicated in Sindh than we would be able to earn our due share in international markets.
We are aware that our efforts in increasing agriculture production and productivity have to go hand-in-hand with well organized and targeted activities in promoting our products, leading to the revitalisation of linkages with large consumption markets. Sindh has a large potential in agro- based sectors and it is the need of the hour that local and foreign investors should be invited to invest in these sectors because seventy percent of the population of Sindh belongs to agricultural sector. LDFA is certainly one of the most effective mechanisms to showcase our high-quality fruits, vegetables, implements and to build connections between agricultural producers, retailers, wholesalers and traders.
Government of Sindh is creating an enabling environment for producers and traders to increase efficiency and expand agricultural production and exports to boost the economy. Major thrust of the Agriculture Department is towards Modernisation of agriculture research, Advancement of mechanised agriculture, development of strong market information system, improved agriculture extension service and efficient Water Management. The Government of Sindh have taken various initiatives in terms of subsidised financing, technological support, research & development and capacity building of farmers. Agriculture department conducts Training of farmers at grass root level.
Government of Sindh is aimed to evolve improved and high yielding new varieties of different crops, fruit and vegetables. Our aim is to develop appropriate and improved production and protection technologies for fruits & vegetable crops to increase yield and production. Government is also providing facilities to the farmers for testing soil, water and fertilizer samples at district level. I am absolutely confident that our efforts will lead to better results and further promotes Sindh's Agriculture economy.