Minister declares $3bn in rice exports generated this year
Published on: November 3, 2023.
Filed under:
LAHORE: Punjab Agriculture Minister S.M. Tanvir proudly announced that Pakistan has generated a staggering $3 billion in revenue this year from the export of basmati and coarse rice. This remarkable achievement was highlighted during the centennial celebrations of the esteemed Kala Shah Kaku Rice Research Institute in Lahore on Thursday.
Pakistan proudly holds the position of being the fourth-largest rice exporter in the world. The rice crop not only caters to our nation’s nutritional requirements but also serves as a vital source of foreign exchange earnings. Minister Tanvir applauded the institute’s management for reaching this momentous milestone of completing 100 years since its establishment. In this remarkable journey, the institute’s dedicated scientists have successfully developed 29 unique varieties of paddy, renowned for their nutritional benefits and aromatic fragrance.
In light of the ever-changing climate conditions, Minister Tanvir emphasized the importance of continued development of new paddy varieties while discouraging farmers from the excessive use of pesticides. He stressed that providing technical advice to growers is crucial in boosting rice exports. Additionally, the minister appealed to farmers to cease the burning of paddy residue, as it contributes to hazardous smog that poses a severe threat to human health. Encouraging responsible agricultural practices, he urged farmers to follow the guidelines set by the agriculture department for the proper disposal of residues to prevent environmental pollution.
Present at the event, Dr Akhtar, Chief Scientist of the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute in Faisalabad, commended the efforts of the Kala Shah Kaku Rice Research Institute. He revealed that the institute’s scientists have introduced 29 innovative rice varieties, including the internationally renowned Basmati 370, which has significantly contributed to Punjab’s economic growth, amounting to a remarkable Rs30 billion per year. Dr. Akhtar also highlighted the institute’s ISO 17025-accredited laboratories that focus on reducing the harmful impact of toxins on the paddy crop.
The event also featured speeches by Punjab Agriculture Research Board Chief Executive Dr. Abid Mehmood and Kala Shah Kaku Rice Research Institute’s Chief Scientist Syed Sultan Ali, further emphasizing the significance of the institute’s achievements.
To read the original article, please visit the source article [bold]here[/bold].
[Dawn – Source](https://www.dawn.com)
