Ijaz Kakakhel Islamabad
A legislative body of Upper House of parliament on Thursday asked the government to ensure the availability of urea fertilizer and diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilisers across the country as it relate to food security of the entire country.
The recommendations were made in the Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research convened Thursday under the chairmanship of Senator Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah.
The session began with a comprehensive discussion on the non-availability of Urea Fertilizer across the country and particularly for Sindh’s growers.
The Chairman conveyed multiple complaints received from farmers, emphasizing the critical impact on wheat crops in Sindh due to the shortage. Despite a reported surplus, the fertilizer was found to be scarce, with black market prices soaring to 5,600 PKR, well above the controlled rate of Rs3560.
The committee directed the ministry to collaborate with stakeholders urgently to address this pressing issue.
The committee was informed that the growers in Sindh have appealed to the federal and provincial governments to take notice and prompt action to curb hoarding, smuggling, counterfeiting, and the black market of Urea and DAP fertilisers in Sindh immediately; otherwise, food insecurity could ensue.
The committee then addressed a Starred Question raised by Senator Sarfaraz Bugti concerning alleged manipulations in the import of olive plants. A sub-committee, chaired by Senator Kamran Murtaza, was formed to investigate and report on the matter within two months.
Expressing concerns about the non-recovery of cotton cess from textile firms over the last five years, the committee highlighted its adverse impact on cotton research and delayed payments to Pakistan Central Cotton Committee employees. With arrears exceeding Rs3 billion the committee instructed ministry officials to engage with APTMA, addressing concerns and facilitating the recovery of Cotton Cess.
The committee was informed that PARC had developed two new wheat varieties. Chairman Shah recommended compiling a list of progressive farmers for better outreach, suggesting a monthly newsletter to inform farmers about agricultural advancements. Additionally, the committee advised PARC to liaise with farmer associations in Sindh and Punjab.
Regarding the transfer of BS-19 and BS-20 Officers of PARC from Sindh to Islamabad, the committee chairman directed a review of the decisions, emphasizing the return of officers contributing significantly to the region. Furthermore, the committee requested a report from PCC officials on new cotton varieties and their availability in the market.
The committee meeting was attended by Senators Sania Nishtar, Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti, Seeme Ezdi, Jam Mahtab Hussain Dahar, the Caretaker Minister for National Food Security and Research, as well as officials from PARC and PCCC.
Caretaker Interior Minister informed Senate that the fertilizer’s smuggling to Afghanistan has dropped by a larger extent.
Sarfaraz Bugti claimed that 99 percent smuggling has been stopped. “The question is, where all fertilizer being gone,” he said.
“We could not get fertilizer from Punjab and have to face formidable problems to get it,” Bugti added.
