Global Rice News

Caretaker Minister for National Food Security and Research, Dr. Kausar Abdullah Malik, has assured the public that the government is taking action to address the urea fertilizer crisis in Pakistan. Dr. Malik acknowledged that hoarding has contributed to the problem, but expressed confidence that the government, in collaboration with provincial governments and the Pakistan army, will overcome the crisis.

Currently, 47,000 tonnes of urea fertilizer have been imported out of the 200,000 tonnes ordered. Dr. Malik emphasized that steps have been taken by the government to prevent future crises, ensuring that farmers will not face such shortages again.

In other agricultural news, Dr. Malik announced that wheat has been sown on 22.17 million acres of land, and a bumper crop is expected this year. The government has ample stocks of wheat and does not anticipate the need for further imports.

On the topic of rice, Dr. Malik proudly declared that Pakistan has achieved a record rice crop of 9.3 million tonnes this year. The country is estimated to garner $3 billion in revenue from the export of rice.

Addressing concerns in the poultry industry regarding the suspended import of soya bean, Dr. Malik revealed that the government has launched a program in collaboration with provincial governments to increase soya bean production within the country. This action is expected to resolve the issue and allow the poultry industry to resume normal operations.

Furthermore, Dr. Malik highlighted the development of a new national seed policy that encompasses seeds developed through bio-technology. Upon approval, this policy will spark an agricultural revolution in Pakistan. Additionally, a plan of action has been formulated to streamline the import and export of agricultural products, ensuring compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary measures.

The government is also revamping the animal quarantine department and the department of plant protection to align with the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) system. Notably, the PSW is a digital platform that simplifies trade-related procedures for importers, exporters, and those involved in transit.

Dr. Malik expressed optimism about prospects for livestock exports, emphasizing that a foot-and-mouth disease-free zone has been established in Sheikhupura, in collaboration with China, for beef exports. Similar zones will be established in other provinces, and the export process for cows has been streamlined.

Turning to investment in agriculture, Dr. Malik acknowledged the slow progress in the past but revealed that the government has taken swift action to address the issue. Public-private investment in the agricultural sector has doubled or even tripled. Furthermore, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research plans to launch a project in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission, promoting the use of drones and robots in the agricultural sector through artificial intelligence.

Finally, Dr. Malik announced the launch of a new Rs2 billion Green Revolution program in the country. While corporate farming is prevalent worldwide, Pakistan has not fully embraced this concept. Therefore, the government encourages farmers to embrace corporate farming and adopt the latest farming techniques to enhance agricultural production in the country.

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