Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) has finalised recommendations for uplifting the agriculture sector and ensuring economic stability in the country. These proposals will be submitted to the government soon. The recommendations were finalised during a meeting of the MCCI's Sub-committee for Agriculture, which was convened by Muhammad Tariq Khan and attended by MCCI President Mian Rashid Iqbal, Vice President Sheikh Muhammad Asim Saeed, and other members.

The participants outlined the problems with agriculture and livestock and offered solutions. According to Mian Rashid Iqbal and Muhammad Tariq Khan, there is an urgent need for specific measures in the agriculture sector to be taken on an emergency basis. The meeting proposed that the only way to address the problem of rivers and canals running dry is for the government to subsidise the cost of power for agricultural usage. Fixed fees for tube well power bills should be eliminated right now.

The Prime Minister's Farmers Package includes an announcement of a Rs 13 per unit power cost for tube wells; however, the Statutory Regulatory Order has not yet been released and should be as soon as possible. It advocated for allowing the import of harvesters while prohibiting the import of harvester scraps. The export of surplus sugar stored in warehouses should be allowed to start the crushing season, which would stabilise the price of sugarcane and encourage farmers, the meeting recommended. Promotion of the horticulture sector was essential because it can contribute significantly to economic stability.

The government should give special attention to the value addition of fruits and vegetables, the pesticide business should be proclaimed sales tax free, and the support price of wheat should be set equally for Punjab and Sindh provinces. The conference recommended that subsidies be given for the establishment of local industries in order to fulfil the country's need for edible oil. Wheat should not be sold for more than Rs. 2800 per mound, at the very most. Mango pulp, oil, and seeds should receive special attention from the government when adding value to crops.

It was also suggested that the government's goal of giving farmers access to affordable solar energy would only be feasible if imports were permitted. Scientifically informed recommendations should be released to assist those involved in agriculture and farming in order to mitigate climate change effects. To lower agricultural imports, the government can offer subsidies on fertilisers, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, onions, and pulses.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk