Amraiz Khan
The issue of preparation and research of new and quality cotton seeds was discussed at a three-hour meeting chaired by Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar and Chief Minister Sardar Usman Bazdar at Governor’s House.
The meeting decided to enact appropriate legislation for awarding severe punishment to those who make substandard seeds. It has been decided to enlist the help of researchers from the USA and China for the preparation and research of new seeds. The Punjab governor and the chief minister will oversee the matters.
The meeting was also attended by Federal Minister for Food Fakhr Imam, Provincial Ministers, the Punjab Chief Secretary and representatives of the private sector.
According to details, a meeting was held under the chairmanship of Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar and Chief Minister Sardar Usman Bazdar on the issue of preparation and research of new and quality cotton seeds. Relevant officials of the Federal and Provincial governments including Gohar Ijaz of APTMA also participated and gave a detailed briefing to the participants of the meeting on issues and measures regarding cotton production in Punjab. During the meeting, it was decided that a 10-member committee headed by Provincial Minister Hasnain Jahanian Gardezi would be set up to work on seed preparation and research and this committee would meet every week while the members of the committee will meet Governor and Chief Minister every 15 days to decide the future strategy. It was also decided in the meeting that the government will take the private sector on board in this matter.
A separate coordination committee of the federal government and the concerned provincial officers of Punjab were also set up.
Briefing the media after the meeting, Governor Chaudhry Sarwar said that the agricultural universities of the province have been given the target to expedite research on the new seed and a report would be taken from them every month regarding steps taken in this regard. “I am happy that Gohar Ijaz of APTMA has announced funding for new seed research.” The Punjab governor said that whatever funds Gohar Ijaz will provide, it will use it only for research and not a single penny of it will be spent on any other purpose.
Both the Federal and Punjab governments are also providing funds for it. Chaudhry Sarwar said that Punjab will also legislate for strict action against substandard seed makers for which homework has been started immediately. The provincial government and the private sector are on the same page. The government will use all its resources for the development of the agricultural sector. Those who provide substandard seeds do not deserve any concessions. They are also enemies of the country development. The work that will be done now to increase cotton production will be unprecedented in the past.
Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Usman Bazdar said that the provincial government would use all its resources for the preparation and research of new cotton seeds. Prime Minister Imran Khan vision is that we have to make the farmers prosperous and strong.
Federal Minister Fakhr Imam said that it is an important step for the governor and the chief minister to initiate a joint effort for this matter. Efforts should be made to produce more cotton in Pakistan than in India. Now that a committee of concerned officers of the Federal and Punjab Governments has been formed, matters will be expedited and the public will witness positive outcomes in this crucial matter.
