ISLAMABAD, Feb 27: Ministry of National Food Security and Research has demanded Rs 1631.055 million for 18 different development projects under Public Sector Development Programme 2019-20.

Briefing the Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research here on Wednesday, Secretary of the ministry Dr Muhammad Hashim Popalzai informed the committee that the total cost of all 18 projects was Rs 5838.846 million, and expected utilization up to June 2019 was Rs. 1538.906 million.

The committee meeting was chaired by its Chairman, Senator Syed Muzafar Hussain Shah.

The ministry proposed different projects for development of agriculture sector, fisheries, wildlife protection, food security and promotion of seeds in the country.

Senator Syed Muzafar Hussain Shah said that proposed schemes in PSDP- 2019-20 should be productive short, medium and long term and proper execution of these projects was needed.

The committee also discussed different agenda items including land acquisition for PASSCO Godwons in district Umerkot (Sindh), creation of special zones for various crops in the country, and also reducing the cost of production of various crops.

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Sahibzada Muhammad Sultan Mehmood said that the government was committed to development of agriculture and food sector.

He said that Prime Minister Imran Khan had given special direction for reducing the cost of doing business in crops and creation of special zoning for different crops including cotton, sugarcane and Maize in different regions of the country.

The minister said Prime Minister, Imran Khan in coming week would announce the policy in that regard.

Secretary Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Dr. Muhammad Hashim Popalzai informed the committee that his ministry had evolved comprehensive strategy for the execution PSDP 2019-20.
The committee stressed for the utilization of modern research by the farmers for the development of agriculture sector.

The committee also directed to maintain the cost of production for main crops in the country.

Senator Professor Sajid Mir, Sajjad Hussain Turi,  Seemee Azdi, Gul Bashra and senior official of Ministry of National Food Security and Research also attended the committee.

(APP)

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