July 19, 2008	Saturday	Rajab 15, 1429

ISLAMABAD, July 18: Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock Nazar Mohammad Gondal has said there will be no shortage of wheat and other essential food items from next year onwards because the government is taking step to develop agriculture on modern lines.

Addressing a meeting of the board of governors of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) here on Friday he said “the country is facing a serious food crisis and the government has set eyes on rapid development of the sector”.

He said the 2008-9 budget had increased allocations for research and development, agricultural loans, subsidy on fertilisers, particularly DAP, electricity and diesel and drip and sprinkler irrigation and allowed tax exemption for farm machinery.

Mr Gondal said the government would improve infrastructure and management of water resources, promote advanced production technologies and subsidise farm machinery.

He said farmers’ access to credit would also be improved.

He urged scientists to accelerate research and development activities, focussing on food and water security, improving production and profitability of small holders, overcoming effects of climate change and prevention of trans-boundary plant and animal diseases.

PARC chairman Dr M.E. Tasneem said the council was concentrating on means of boosting agricultural production.