Govt to develop agri-sector for achieving food security: Bosan
By Tariq Chaudhry

ISLAMABAD—Government is striving hard to improve and develop agriculture sector through enhancing investment, ensuring technology interventions and policy support to enhance production and farm income by providing a congenial environment in rural areas.
Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock Sikander Hayat Khan Bosan stated while chairing a World Food Day programme organized by MINFAL, National Agriculture Research Center (NARC) and Food & Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO) here today. He said that government is spending huge amount on allied activities in agriculture sector such as water, agri-credit, fertilizers and pesticides for improving crop productivity to alleviate poverty and to ensure food security through macroeconomic adjustments.
The Minister said that the Government is making concrete efforts to improve investment climate, reduce economies, vulnerability to internal and external shocks and to ensure growth path for the welfare of the people.
Bosan stressed the need to adopt the modern technologies for crop production, water management and livestock promotion, adding that government has funded projects in all the provinces for efficient use of agri-technologies to increase crop productivity, water management, livestock promotion and horticulture development. He informed that ministry has increased investment in agri- sector during the last six-years from Rs.290 million to 15,800 million in 2007-08.
The Minister appreciated the role of WFO to create awareness about food safety and security across the world.
On this occasion Secretary MINFAL, Mr. Zia-ul-Rehman said that agriculture sector is the largest segment of world economy and a source of livelihood more then half of the world population. He said Pakistan has been a major beneficiary of FAO’s support and technical assistance. We see FAO as a partner in agriculture in Pakistan and value this organization as the apex organization in the field of agriculture.
Later the Minister distributed awards and cash prizes among scientists and students who won essay writing competition organized on the occasion.
Dr. Ahsan-ul-Haq a scientist was awarded with Norman Borlaugh award for his research and development of hybrid cotton and pulses seeds.