Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam Wednesday said while talking exclusively to 24NewsHD TV channel in Islamabad that the Russia-Ukraine war had created a worldwide food crisis as the two countries exported 30 per cent of the world’s wheat.

“The vaccine, being imported from abroad, for curing Lumpy Skin disease in the cattle, will reach Pakistan in seven days,” said the federal minister and added that the farmers would be given subsidy for Kharif crop.

“The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has taken important decisions, including the cotton prices,” he said and added that 38 per cent of the Pakistan’s labour force and 53 per cent of the industry’s raw materials depended on agriculture.

“The reason behind the shortage of fertilizer was its smuggling and illegal sale in the market,” he maintained and added that olive trees had been planted over 36,000 acres of land under the Olive Cultivation Programme.

“Technology has a significant role in the development of agriculture for which the government is taking various steps,” he said and claimed that the government was also paying special attention to increase cotton production.

“Pakistan is a major importer of soybean,” he said and affirmed that the government was making all-out efforts for its cultivation at home.

 

Reporter: Sagheer Ahmad