ISLAMABAD, Jul (NNI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said after attracting an investment of $30 billion to $50 billion in the agriculture sector, the agro-economy of the country will revive in the next two years.
According to a private TV channel, the PM addressed the Green Pakistan Initiative Seminar held at Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad on Monday.
Addressing the gathering, PM Shehbaz credited Army Chief General Asim Munir for envisioning this initiative as it will likely attract investment to the tune of 30 to 50 billion dollars in the next four to five years.
PM Shehbaz added that this investment will also provide job opportunities to four million people while the agriculture economy will revive in the next two years.
The PM stressed that the government and relevant institutions will have to work together to trigger the second agricultural revolution in the country.
Shehbaz said Gulf countries are ready to invest in Green Pakistan Initiative which will enhance our agriculture productivity and equip it with the latest technology.
PM Shehbaz assured to extend full facilitation to the farmers in order to bolster agri productivity and said it is the responsibility of the government to provide a conducive environment to the farmers through the provision of quality seeds, pesticides and fertilizers.
He said the country witnessed record wheat production this year as the government enhanced the wheat support price. He expressed confidence that the cotton crop will also see a major boost because of an increase in its minimum support price.
The PM said Pakistan is spending four point five billion dollars on the import of edible oil. He said the country cannot afford this situation.
Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir also addressed the participants and assured the people of Pakistan and the government Army’s full support for all the initiatives being initiated under the ambit of SIFC including today’s launched Green Pakistan Initiative.
The seminar was attended by Federal Ministers, Chief Ministers of Punjab and Sindh provinces, Chief Secretaries of Provincial Governments, agricultural experts and farmers from all the provinces.
Foreign dignitaries and potential investors and experts from the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and various other countries also attended the Seminar.
Sequel to the inauguration of the Land Information Management System – Centre of Excellence (LIMS – COE), the Green Pakistan initiative is being undertaken to enhance the food security of Pakistan, increase exports and reduce agriculture-related imports, thereby, contributing towards the national economy.
Agriculture experts and farmers hailed the conduct of the seminar and its attendance by potential investors as a success and the first step towards bringing positive change in the agriculture and livestock sectors.
Agriculture experts and farmers highly appreciated the Government’s landmark initiative and the Pak Army’s special focus on revolutionizing the agriculture sector by promoting modern contemporary technology, collaboration of public and private sectors and trickling down dividends to the local farmers to alleviate poverty.
The attendees especially lauded the Pak Army’s efforts in boosting the national economy by focusing on this critical sector.
Honourable PM addressed the seminar and later visited the agriculture and livestock exhibition as well. NNI
