ISLAMABAD: A four member delegation of the Pakistan Kissan Ittehad led by Mr. Khalid Mahmood Khokhar called on the Finance Minister Senator Mohamamd Ishaq Dar here Friday.
Mr. Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan, Minister for National Food Security and Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr Fawad Hasan Fawad was also present on the occasion.
The Finance Minister welcomed the delegation of Pakistan Kissan Ittehad and said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif keeps the agriculture community close to his heart. He said that the present government has taken historical steps in agriculture sector including Prime Minister’s Kissan Package 2015 and unprecedented measures during the National Budget this year.
Chairman Pakistan Kissan Ittehad appreciated the commitment of the present government and the steps taken so far for agriculture sector. He highlighted the challenges faced by the agriculture sector and sought support of the federal government for protecting the interests of the farming community. The Finance Minister assured the delegation that the government was cognizant of difficulties of the agricultural sector in the context of decrease in global commodity prices. He stressed upon the delegation for enhancing our crop yield and farm productivity through mechanization and adoption of best practices. The Minister invited the delegation to engage in a sustained policy dialogue with the government for designing future interventions in the agriculture sector.
The Minster said that the government is determined to create a facilitating and supportive environment for farmers. The Minister assured the delegation that further improvement in Research & Development for enhancing agriculture output in the country is being undertaken.
The Finance Minister appreciated the valuable role played by Minister for National Food Security on facilitating the farming community and reiterated government support for the agriculture sector.
Secretary National Food Security, Secretary Industries and senior officials of the Ministry of Finance attended the meeting.—APP
