ISLAMABAD, (Parliament Times) : Syed Fakhar Imam, Federal Minster for National Food Security and Research (NFS&R) has chaired a meeting today on 18thFebruary, 2022 on major issues/concerns of the farmers. The meeting was attended by Mr. Tahir Khursheed Federal Secretary for M/o NFS&R, former SAPM M/o NFS&R, Additional Secretary Ministry of Power, representative from Ministry of Industries and Production, Ministry of Commerce, and other Federal Government Departments. Secretaries Agriculture Government of the Punjab and KPK attended the meeting while representative from Government of Sindh and Baluchistan participated the meeting. Grower Associations and Progressive farmer have participated from all provinces. It was in the continuation of previous meeting dated 4thFebruary 2022 where it was decided that a fortnightly meeting will be arranged on regular basis on the subject matter.
Speaking on the occasion, Syed Fakhar Imam Federal Minister Ministry of National Food Security & Research ensured to the farmers that the grievances/issues of farmers may be take up at proper forums. Federal Minister also appreciated, that Power Division is in process to move a summary for the ECC on Electricity rates for agriculture sectors. Syed Fkhar Imam also stated that the issue will be resolved in collaboration with Provincial Governments because after 18thconstitutional amendment most of the components of the agriculture sector relates to the Provincial Governments. Secretaries Punjab and KPK also showed their commitments for resolving the issues of farmers at their parts.
The agenda of the meeting was issues, problems, and concerns of the farmers. Progressive growers showed their concerns on withdrawal of concession on GST on agricultural inputs and agri- commodities whereas farmers from South Punjab raised the issue of water shortage/theft. In the meeting enhancement of support price was also discussed.
The farmers raised the point that fuel price adjustment on electricity bills of agriculture tube well be divided on whole the year with flat rate. Issue regarding GST on fisheries and its feed was and Grower grievances on an unannounced ban on export of gur and shakkar was discussed as well.
Growers pointed out the cost of production has increased manifold, they also demanded to ensure the availability of fertilizer and removal of GST on pesticides including other product used in cotton crop. The meeting was ended with the vote of thanks by the chair.
