Speakers In Seminar Stresses On Use Of Modern Techniques To Increase Rice Production
Muhammad Irfan Published October 20, 2019 | 07:20 PM
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Oct, 2019 ) :Speakers in a seminar on 'Rice Value Chain and Irrigation' urge the farmers to use modern agriculture tools in rice farming for increasing its per acre yield.
Rice was the major staple food for more than half of the world population and a source of employment, income and livelihood for millions of people, Minister for Agriculture, Punjab Malik Nauman Ahmad Langrial said while addressing a seminar on "Rice Value Chain and Role of Public and Private-Partnership" here on Sunday.
The seminar was organized by Rice Partners Limited (RPL) in collaboration with Mars food and Helvetas Swiss Inter cooperation in Muridke, said a press release issued.
Addressing the seminar, the minister for agriculture said the provincial government was committed to resolve the issues of rice farmers.
He said agriculture was the backbone of the country's economy,"we are focusing to evolve a comprehensive agriculture policy for increasing the yield of all major crops including rice in the country." The provincial minister said Pakistan was at number 7 among the most water-scarce countries and it had to face deficiency of water by 33 Million Acre Feet (MAF) if new reservoirs were not constructed.
He further added that, "we have to develop an action plan and implement it in true spirit so that the farmers could produce the rice with minimum use of water without any yield or quality penalty." Project Director, Rice Partners Limited (RPL) Zafar Iqbal said RPL was the only organization in Pakistan, which had started smart farming program and introduced digital farmer card.
These cards would help the farmers to get quality pesticides, fertilizers, and agri-loans on discounted rates from different retailers.
Country Director Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation, Dr. Arjumand Nizami said there was a dire need to start a dialogue between all the rice stakeholders to design a pragmatic action plan for ensuring national rice food security and its sustainability so that a considerable sect of the society could be economically protected.
He said presently irrigation system was being implemented through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) due to inefficiency of the public sector.
The PPP is better approach due to public sector financing and efficiency of private sector.
Dr Nizami said the rice millers should follow the Water Productivity (WAPRO) model of RPL to reduce the consumption of water and to enhance the productivity of water.
Director Rice Research Institute Kala Shah Kaku, Dr. Muhammad Sabir said modern mechanical harvesting of basmati rice varieties at the premature stage was common, leading to increased post-harvest losses and infestation of microbial organisms in the paddy due to improper drying and storage facilities.
More than 1000 farmers, rice millers, academia Govt officials from the relevant departments attended the event. Hundreds of farmers and many rice millers attended the seminar.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Saka and Odegaard start for Arsenal, Guerreiro in Bayern midfield
Qatar PM says re-evaluating Israel-Hamas mediation role
Govt spokesperson terms allegations of PTI's Marwat against Saudi Arabia 'heinou ..
Minister appreciate UAE’s support for Pakistan economic challenges
Manchester City v Real Madrid Champions League starting line-ups
MIGA's support Pakistan in attracting foreign investments: Federal Minister for ..
Walker returns to captain Man City for Real Madrid clash
Action taken against price list violations in Khanewal district
DC chairs review meeting of DEG
Turkey accuses Israel's Netanyahu of using war 'to stay in power'
Pakistan ranked 5th most vulnerable country to climate change. Tirmizi
Nadal comeback ends in Barcelona Open second round
More Stories From Business
-
Minister appreciate UAE’s support for Pakistan economic challenges
6 hours ago -
MIGA's support Pakistan in attracting foreign investments: Federal Minister for Finance, Muhammad Au ..
6 hours ago -
International financial partners to invest $1.8 bln in KP: Advisor
7 hours ago -
Uzbek envoy invites FPCCI leadership to attend Tashkent Int'l Investment forum
8 hours ago -
Women development imperative for sustainable economic prosperity: Lansana Wonneh
8 hours ago -
Finance Minister, highlights geo-economic fragmentation, its impact on Pakistan
8 hours ago
-
High Tobacco tax prevails over propaganda, reduces cigarette consumption
9 hours ago -
SECP grants registration to first digital insurer
9 hours ago -
European stock markets rebound after heavy losses
9 hours ago -
SECP files complaint against two individuals on violation of trading
9 hours ago -
Govt prioritize to peruse economic reform agenda for sustainable economic development: Minister
9 hours ago -
IMF says global debt levels face 'Great Election Year' risk
10 hours ago