Sindh government has directed the Research Wing of the Agriculture Department to develop a mechanism for providing interest-free loans to students at Sindh Agricultural University, Tandojam. This initiative aims to encourage students to start their own agricultural businesses. Sindh Agriculture Minister Muhammad Bux Mahar announced this during a high-level meeting at the Sindh Secretariat. He stated that the Research Wing will not only devise the loan mechanism but will also discuss grant provisions with the Chief Minister of Sindh.
The goal is to support the youth of Sindh in establishing their agricultural ventures. Minister Mahar emphasized the need for the Research Wing to introduce new varieties of wheat, rice, and sugarcane crops and distribute these varieties to farmers free of charge. He highlighted the severe impact of climate change on agriculture, stressing the necessity for a larger budget, enhanced capacity building, and more training for agriculture officers. During the meeting, Minister Mahar directed DG Research Noor Muhammad Baloch to improve the production and quality of mangoes, dates, and cotton to ensure the prosperity of the province’s farmers.
DG Research Noor Muhammad Baloch provided an overview of the achievements of the Research Wing, stating that they have introduced 13 new varieties of wheat by 2023, 14 varieties of cotton by 2020, and numerous varieties of rice, sugarcane, and vegetables. These innovations have significantly increased crop yields, with wheat and cotton varieties yielding 80 to 85 maunds per acre. Additionally, DG Baloch highlighted that over 300 women have been trained at the Institute of Food and Science Technology to produce agricultural products, empowering them to start small businesses from home. The Agricultural University in Tandojam provides annual training to around 400 BSc and MSc students in agricultural research.
The meeting included participation from Vice Chancellor of Agriculture University Tando Jam Dr. Fateh Muhammad Marri, Akbar Ali Zardari, and other research officers, who contributed further insights and briefings. This comprehensive strategy by the Sindh government aims to bolster the agricultural sector through financial support, innovative crop development, and enhanced training programs, ultimately leading to increased productivity and economic growth in the province.
