Islamabad : Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) conference on Tuesday provided an effective platform to the government officials , private sector and academia to brainstorm issues confronted with Pakistan’s farming sector .
The experts proposals could be used for the future strategies for agriculture and climate.
The panelists who come from various relevant fields, gave valuable suggestions to help Pakistan move forward in the areas of agriculture and climate.
Renowned scholar , Dr Adil Najam , argued that Pakistan is not using its water resources judiciously . He referred Camel’s case who, he said, stores water and uses it as and when needed . He also used Urdu phrase ” Truck ki Batti” to make his point that many things which are being advocated as a real catalyst for change in Pakistan are just to make the people run after an allusive object. He quoted AI’,s case an example.
He strongly recommended that the farmers of Pakistan be empowered to fit in the changing climate and make good return on their produce.
Zafar Masood , president Punjab Bank , gave a detailed presentation to the participants of the session on the role of Punjab Bank in providing financial support to the farmers of the Punjab province .
He said Punjab Kisaan Card is an innovative step in providing much -needed financing for agriculture sector .
Shaikh Waqar of Nestle Pakistan wanted more liberal policies for dairy farming in Pakistan .
He said capping of pricing like milk and other products discourages investment in the farming sector of Pakistan.
Dr Fawad Imran Khan pointed out irrational use of pesticides and fertilizers in Pakistan. He pointed out that the Kisaan should be educated to use agri inputs in a standardized ratio.
In her closing remarks , Climate Ministry Secretary in charge , Aisha Humera Chaudhary, said the government intervention always brings negative result and it’s high time for Pakistan to move forward in ,the key areas of agriculture and Climate change.
She said ” Today’s discussion was extremely useful and it can help Pakistan improve performance in the areas in debate”. The lady federal secretary in charge highlighted the issue of malnutrition in Pakistan and urged all the stakeholders to come forward to help the government address this issue.
She thanked SDPI and its ED , Dr Abid Sulehri , for providing this forum to discuss issues relating to climate change and agri sector. SDPI’s 4-day annual conference is underway in Islamabad . The event has attracted huge participation from key stakeholders of all important sectors of Pakistan.
