UNISAME calls for formation of rice, cotton, sugar and commodities board

May 12, 2021: The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) has invited the attention of the Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan to the neglected and uncontrolled rice, cotton, sugar and commodities sector and called for the formation of a board to safeguard the downsliding of important crops and harmful behavior of vested interest from injuring its progress.

President UNISAME Zulfikar Thaver said rice and commodities were the second biggest foreign exchange earners after textiles but unfortunately they are dwindling because of neglect and sense of direction.

He said our basmati rice is the best rice in the world but unfortunately due to lack of interest it has not been given the attention it deserves. Rice sector needs to be declared as an industry and its control given under the board.

Pakistan is importing pulses when they can be grown in the country. Pakistan is blessed with sunshine and rain and 3 climates but unfortunately due to lack of agricultural leadership and guidance we have become lethargic.

A huge amount of tea is also being imported when it can be grown in northern areas. Many other commodities like sesame seeds, dates and others can be grown and exported.

Cotton which we used to export is now on the import list, again due to lack of strategy and planning. Even sugarcane is in a mess despite its abundant growth. The sugar mafia has ruined its scope for vested interest.

Thaver urged the PM to set up a board comprising of experts from agriculture, commerce, science and technology ministries and UNISAME to focus on the aspects of growing, mapping, exporting, building reserves and monitoring of rice, cotton, sugar and commodities to maintain its consistent production and exports. 

The government needs to sharpen its tools to ensure our national potentiality is exploited for best farm sector growth and modernization of agriculture rather than leaving it at the mercy of the vested interest.

Press Release