Associated Press of Pakistan | 12 September 2009
ISLAMABAD, Sep 12 (APP): Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Qamar Zaman Kaira Saturday said the idea of corporate farming in Pakistan is intended to utilize million of hectares barren land, ensure food security and further stabilize national economy. Talking to journalists flanked by Minister for Food and Agriculture , Nazar Muhammad Gondal, he dispelled the impression that Pakistan’s land is being sold to foreign companies, saying the plan is to bring foreign investment in agriculture sector.
The same was being practiced in other important fields like oil and gas, minerals and mine exploration etc, he said this after a ceremony held here for balloting of Benazir Bhutto Tractor Scheme for farmers of the country.
Information Minister, Qamar Zaman Kaira said a number of companies are already working in different areas of Pakistan who have invested, but in case of corporate farming “we are not selling our strategic interests. How come peoples’ government could go against the interests of the country.”
The Minster said the PPP has always protected the interests of the country and after coming into power it was trying to boost all sectors especially agriculture for its betterment.
Kaira said some elements were trying to mislead things, but the government was committed and concentrating on bringing a green revolution in the country. He also criticized the attitude of certain elements who were giving a wrong and baseless impression ? “Pakistan for Sale.”
“This is not a proper way. They have right to criticize policies of the government and guide it. We are the followers of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and how come we can sell our country.”
Responding to a question, he said President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to different countries are aimed at promoting trade and investment especially in the agricultural sector.
He said President during his visit to China, discussed various options to boost Pakistan agri sector including transfer of latest technology in the field.
Relying to a question, Qamar Zaman Kaira said there is no shortage of wheat or its related products as the country is in a position to export it but the government, under its food security plan was trying to better its wheat reserves.
He said like this year, the policies of the government would also help attain wheat’s bumper crop next year.
Answering another question, he said all out efforts are being made to better the lot of people and bring improvement in their purchasing power.
He said Sasta Bazaars are a good option to facilitate people but our main focus is to improve buying power of the masses.
The Minister said in view of increase in the birth rate, the government was introducing a lot of new methods including hybrid seeds to increase per acre yield in Pakistan.
Minister for Food and Agriculture, Nazar Muhammad Gondal said Pakistan has about 8 million hectare fertile cultivable land in the four provinces besides hectares of barren land which can be used for crop production by developing corporate farming and for maximization of agriculture production in the country.
He, however clarified that there was no mature deal with any country or corporate sector for corporate farming so far.
The corporate farming would be introduced with our own terms and conditions with foreign corporate sector, he added.
Nazar Gondal said that government of Saudi Arabia has shown interest to acquire some land here for farming but there was no progress in this regard so far.
Commenting the outcome of corporate farming in the country, the minister said it would bring positive results in national economy particularly agri?sector of the country. Besides the income of barren land would create job opportunities for the people living in far?flung rural areas and also help introduce modern facilities of farming besides use of hybrids seeds.
There was surplus crop of gram, moong and potato was available in the country with strong poultry and livestock sector.
The minister said that regular meetings are being held to monitor price situations and availability of food items in the country.
