(Khalid Sibtain)
Islamabad: The 18th Meeting of National Coordination Committee on Agriculture Transformation Plan was chaired by Federal Minister NFSR and convened by Mr A.Q Suleri on 16thFebruary, 2022 in the Ministry of National Food Security and Research.
During the meeting the progress on ATP interventions was discussed. Ministry of Finance shared that Rs 150,000 for production cost and Rs. 200,000 for development needs have been allocated through Kamyab Kissan Package for farmers. Govt of Punjab requested the forum to enhance the subsidy amount being disbursed through Kissan Cards as they have planned to distribute 1million Kissan Cards till June 2022 amongst farmers. Besides, Govt of Punjab has approved a project to facilitate farmers in provision of subsidized Agricultural implements on the basis of 60:40 ratio. Secretary Agriculture Department, Govt of KP shared that 1,24,000 farmers have been registered through Kissan card for disbursement of subsidy funds. Besides, Govt of Balochistan was directed to enure availability of funds for Agriculture related development projects. Moreover, all the provincial Agriculture Departments were requested to share the total amount of subsidies keeping in mind their future needs. The chair shared concern over availability of certified seed for various crops especially cotton and wheat. Federal Minister for NFSR further directed State Bank of Pakistan and Ministry of Finance to hold a dedicated meeting with Ministry of National Food Security and Research to formulate a clear road map regarding enhance Agriculture credit to the farming community.
Lastly, the chair directed all the provinces and Federal Ministries to expedite the pace of implementation of ATP interventions to transform the Agriculture sector as per the Vision of Honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan.