Agricultural experts have demanded the government introduce the support price mechanism for pulses and oil seed crops to promote cultivation that will help in reducing prices and imports of the commodities. It was discussed at the panel discussion meeting on rice, edible oil and arranged by Policy Chair, US Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies (USPCAS) University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.
The meeting was chaired by USPCAS Chief of Party Professor Dr Bashir Ahmad. Dr Asif Saeed Khan from New Zealand, Ayub Research Pulses Director Muhammad Rafiq, Policy Chair Head Dr Muhammad Jamil Khan, Dr Khalid Bashir, Dr Sultan Adil, Dr Waseen Ahmad, Dr Burhan, Dr Abdul Ghafoor and other notables attended meeting. Talking to the delegation, Professor Dr Bashir Ahmad said that it was the matter of concern that despite being the agricultural country, the country was importing edible oil worth Rs 200 billion and the pulses worth Rs 30 billion. He said that by promoting the cultivation the edible oil and the pulses, we can not only meet our domestic demand but also earn the heavy foreign exchange. He said that the total area under major pulse crops in Pakistan is about 1.5m hectares. Chickpea occupies around 73 per cent of the total pulses area with 76 per cent contribution to the total production. He said the country was blessed with four seasons and best cropping system. It is the need of the hour to tap its potential by promoting latest agriculture practices and the other valuable crops in order to increase per acre production.
Dr Muhammad Rafique said that support price mechanism should be kicked off at least for the two years in the country. He said they were mapping out a comprehensive strategy to fit in pulses in the wheat rice cultivation. He said that the rice is being cultivated mainly in the five districts where rice committees and regulatory mechanism must be established to address the problems of farming community and water issues. He said that the demand of Pakistani rice is five times more than their rice in many countries. Dr Asif Saeed Khan said that our yield is low and a comprehensive plan must be devised to increase its productivity and make it compatible with the international markets.