Govt to enhance rural economy through value addition of agri-produce: PM.

LAHORE -- Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday stressed upon taking practical and permanent steps over the agriculture reforms and said that the government would improve the rural economy through the value addition of agri-production.

The prime minister chaired a high-level meeting on the fiscal budget 2023-24 proposals regarding the agriculture sector, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

The prime minister observed that agriculture sector was the backbone of the national economy and the country's progress was not possible without innovations in this sector. He said that due to the incumbent government's Kisan package, a record wheat yield was achieved in the current season.

During the meeting, the prime minister was apprised in details of the agriculture reforms during the previous one year.

Due to PM's special Kisan Package, the provision of loans to farmers on affordable terms was not only ensured but due to supply of timely fertilizers and quality seeds, the country also achieved the bumper wheat crop, exceeding the previous production in the last ten years.

Under the prime minister's directive, the best-supporting prices over different crops led to the prosperity of farmers which would also boost the upcoming crops, it was added. The prime minister also directed for direct provision of subsidy to farmers on fertilizers.

He said that the provision of quality seeds, latest machinery, extension services and for agriculture research, resources would be allocated in the fiscal budget.

The prime minister said that practical steps should be incorporated in the fiscal budget for complete conversion of agriculture tube wells on solar energy.

The prime minister was also informed about the international quality seeds, import of semen for animals breeding, functioning of the agriculture institutions and implementation over Kisan package.

The meeting was briefed over the National Oil Seed Policy whose objective was to reduce dependence over import of edible oil by provision of quality seed.

Automatic Seed Certification and Track and Trace System were being introduced for the provision of quality seed, it was further added.

The prime minister terming the proposals of experts as very useful, directed his Adviser Ahad Khan Cheema to form two sub-committees to give final shape to budget proposals regarding the agriculture sector.

These committees would be tasked to...