Agri land shrinking due to construction of housing colonies.

LAHORE, November 10, 2009 (Frontier Star ): Provincial Minister for Agriculture & Livestock, Malik Ahmad Ali Aulakh has said that a revolution could be brought in agri-sector by adopting bio-technology. This was stated by him while addressing a seminar arranged by Institute of Mass Communication Punjab University, here Tuesday. Former Agriculture Minister Sultan Ali Chaudhary, Director of the Institute Dr. Ahsan Akhtar Naz, Chairman Bio-Technology Committee Punjab Dr. Shahid Raza, Secretary Cotton Development Company Dr. Ghazanfar Ali, Dr. Rukhsana Bajwa, Dr. Ghazala Naseem and a large number of students were also present on the occasion. The Minister said that per acre yield could be increased by introducing bio-technology in agriculture sector besides substantial foreign exchange could also be earned through exports. He said that agri sector could not be developed in the country due to lack of water and other resources, electricity, modern research, comprehensive planning at government level. He said that present government under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister and due to its farmers friendly policies got a record production of 36 lakh tons rice and one crore 85 lakh tons wheat. He said that agri implements worth Rs.2 billion have been provided at subsidize rate whereas 173 green tractors have so far been distributed among small cultivators through transparent balloting. He said that agri land is shrinking due to the construction of housing colonies but revolution in agri sector could be brought by evolving farmer friendly policies, imparting training and providing guidance to farmers from agri experts as well as encouraging research in agri sector. The participants of the seminar while highlighting the significance of bio-technology in food, water, textile, leather and other industries said that bio-technology could play a vital role in all sectors and especially in agriculture sector.

(THROUGH ASIA PULSE)