Rice growers, exporters problems to be solved on priority: Isa
By Fakhar Alam

ISLAMABAD—Government will solve the difficulties of rice growers and exporters on priority basis for maximum export of rice.
This was stated by the Caretaker Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture, Livestock, Prince Muhammad Isa Jan Baloch while chairing a meeting of the Rice Advisory Board today.
The meeting discussed different issues concerning rice productivity, problems in milling and export as well as research and development.
It was discussed in the meeting that during the year 2007-08 the rice production is estimated 5.5 million tons of basmati.
The meeting also discussed the domestic consumption of rice of 2.5 million tons and agreed that there is fairly large exportable surplus in the country. It was also suggested by the members to strengthen the Rice Research Institutions in the country and help in modernization of post harvest operation as well as BMR of rice mills in Sindh.
Afloxtine and Khapra beetle problem was thoroughly discussed and it was agreed that practical steps be taken at the provincial level to discourage such problem. The board also decided to add additional member of grower to the board to make it more constructive.
The Sectary ministry of Food And Agriculture Zia- ur-Rehman, Additional Secretary Shahid Hussain Raja, Chairman REAP, Director Rice Research Institutes Punjab, Sindh, Rice Growers and other high ranking officials of the federal and provincial governments also attended the meeting.