National Assembly Body Concerns Over Damage Of Crops, Recommends Relief To Farmers

National Assembly Special Committee on Agriculture on Wednesday expressed concern over damage of crops due to heavy downpour in parts of the country and recommended relief to affected farmers

Islamabad (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th April, 2019) National Assembly Special Committee on Agriculture on Wednesday expressed concern over damage of crops due to heavy downpour in parts of the country and recommended relief to affected farmers.Meanwhile, Ministry of food Security secretary revealed that after 18th Amendment, 60 per cent agriculture budget has been reduced, adding that the government is soon going to launch agriculture emergency in the country.He said as many as Rs278 billion will be spent on agriculture sector in the next five years and federal and provincial governments will provide these estimated funds.

He said agriculture emergency will be imposed from next fiscal year.National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaisar said recent shower in the country has caused serious damage of crops and he will talk to Prime Minister Imran Khan for their compensation.

He said the provincial governments should make estimate of loss and provide relief to farmers.The special committee meeting was held under the chair of Speaker Asad Qaisar at Parliament House in Islamabad.Federal Minister Sabzada Sultan was also present in the meeting.Addressing the meeting, the speaker said after 18th Amendment, agriculture sector has been devolved to provinces.

He said the centre wants immediate relief to the farmers suffered loss during recent shower.Asad Qaisar said seeds effective during drought season will be encouraged. National Food Security officials while giving briefing to the committee said that 60 per cent budget of the agriculture sector had been reduced since the implementation of the 18th amendment.