Agriculture sector: Modern technologies vital for reducing production cost

"The adaptation of precision agriculture, balance usage of inputs and modern technologies are vital to decrease the cost of the production in agricultural sector to compete with the rest of world." This was stated by University Agriculture Faisalabad Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan at a meeting with mid-level central bankers' delegation comprising experts from eight countries. The delegation was headed by the State Bank of Pakistan Faisalabad Chief Manger Waqas Kashif.
Giving briefing about agriculture sector, he said that the government was giving the interest-free loans of Rs 100 billion for the small farmers. He said that with the organic food we can not feed the ever growing population of 200 million people. Therefore, genetically modified crops are vital to ensure the food security in the county.
He said that we need to promote the crops which are water efficient. He showed his concern that 4000 liter of water is required to produce one kilogram of rice. He said that Pakistan is producing the best breed in goats and chickens in the world. The UAF is working on livestock project with three countries including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and China. He viewed that in the neighbouring countries, heavy subsidy and support price was being given in the agriculture sector. He said our farmers were facing the different issues including the low productivity, profitability and markets issues. He said that Punjab agriculture policy was being revamped that will make the sector profitable and sustainable.