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Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Rs4.25bn for MNFS&R allocated
ISLAMABAD: The government has allocated Rs 4.25 billion for the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R) in the annual budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), compared to 12.56 billion in the budget 2024-25. The budget document showed a decrease of 66.1 percent in funds allocated for various attached departments of MNFS&R. The Rs 4.25 billion would be spent on the completion of 10 ongoing developmental projects and five new schemes during the current financial year. Under the PSDP 2025-26, Rs 800 million has been allocated for the national program for animal disease surveillance and control track and traceability, while Rs 585.597 million has been earmarked for the national program for enhancing command areas in Barani Areas [rain-fed areas] of Pakistan. Out of Rs 4.25 billion, Rs 500 million allocated for national oilseed enhancement program, Rs 500 million earmarked for promotion of olive cultivation on a commercial scale in Pakistan and set aside Rs 450 million national agriculture productivity enhancement program. As per the budget breakdown, Rs 300 million allocated for the establishment of the agriculture research institute Sheikhupura, Rs 257 million for Pak-Sar Zameen Card (PSZC) integrated GIS and remote sensing for sustainable, digital, advanced and financially inclusive agriculture in Pakistan and Rs 200 million for the financial incentive program for sustainable agri business and agriculture development. The government has allocated Rs 150 million for the project planning and development unit of the MNFS&R, earmarked Rs 125.860 million for reviving cotton in Pakistan: innovation for a sustainable future and set aside Rs 85 million for the Pakistan-Korea joint program on certified seed potato production system. In the budget 2025-26, Rs 100 million has been allocated for the Pakistan model agriculture research centre and Rs 50 million for professional capacity building in agriculture. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
24-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Tobacco exports surpasses $100m
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain on Friday said that Pakistan's tobacco exports have surpassed the US$100 million, signaling a notable boost in the country's foreign exchange earnings. The minister during a meeting with a delegation from Philip Morris International, issued directives for the early issuance of the Minimum Indicative Price (MIP) notification, emphasising that timely administrative decisions are crucial to prevent financial uncertainty for farmers and exporters. During the meeting, they also discussed various issues related to the tobacco sector, including export performance, regulatory challenges, and future prospects. Hussain reiterated that the government remains committed to ensuring a predictable and efficient regulatory process that supports agricultural industries and protects the interests of growers. He emphasised that agriculture-linked sectors such as tobacco play a critical role in employment, rural development, and foreign exchange earnings. The minister said that the role of multinational corporations operating responsibly within Pakistan's legal and regulatory framework and contributing positively to national development. He stressed the importance of maintaining centralised oversight at the federal level to ensure coherence in policymaking and to avoid regulatory fragmentation, which can hinder sectoral growth. He reaffirmed that the Ministry of National Food Security and Research will continue to work proactively with all stakeholders to promote a stable, investment-friendly environment. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
02-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Imports under HS Codes 3402.1300 and 3402.1190: SC dismisses petition seeking zero duty
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking zero per cent customs duty on the import of items under HS Codes 3402.1300 and 3402.1190. A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi and comprising Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui and Justice Shakeel Ahmad decided the matter on an appeal against the Sindh High Court (SHC) verdict. The petitioner (Surfactant Chemicals Company (Pvt) Limited, Karachi) sought exemption from customs duty in excess of zero per cent (0%) vide SRO 565(I)/2006, dated 05.06.2006 as amended vide SRO 474(I)/2016, dated 24.06.2016] on the import of items under HS Codes 3402.1300 and 3402.1190. SHC judgment: SC reserves verdict on DG Customs Valuation's pleas As the respondents (Secretary Ministry of Finance & Customs Department), declined relief, the petitioner filed constitutional petitions before the Sindh High Court claiming that the goods imported by the petitioner-company were fully covered by the exemption as per Column (3) of the Table at Serial (3) of the amending SRO. The respondents stance was that they were/are neither registered/recognised by the Federal Ministry of National Food Security and Research nor were manufacturer of pesticides. The petitioner claimed that it is not required to get such registration or approval, as the petitioner by itself is not a manufacturer of any agricultural pesticides. The petitioner stated that it imports, formulates and manufactures agricultural surfactants/surface active agents namely stabilisers, emulsifiers and solvents which were used in manufacturing pesticides. The judgment noted that under the SRO the treatment of such goods on its import as zero per cent duty is not absolute; it is qualified/contingent upon terms in the SRO itself. The requisite condition in respect of goods on zero per cent in terms of Serial (3) of the Table in Column (2) is apparent which requires approval by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research which has not been fulfilled by the petitioner. The goods were imported and were classified under HS Code 3402.1190 and 3402.1300 of the Pakistan Customs Tariff. On the strength of HS Code alone, as available in the column, the treatment cannot be extended as zero per cent duty, for such goods the pre requisites are inevitable. The judgment said that the treatment of goods disclosed in the SRO were subject to fulfillment of certain obligations. The amended SRO itself put the petitioner under obligations to provide its qualification in order to fetch the exemption as it was only available for manufacturing or formulation of agricultural pesticides by manufacturers and formulators and this could only be recognized and approved by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research. The Column (2) has restricted and prescribed a condition and the treatment of goods of Column (3) in terms of exemption of customs duty could only be if condition prescribed in Column (2) is met. Admittedly, the petitioner is neither recognized nor approved by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research either as manufacturer or formulator of Agricultural pesticides. The Court said that the application of the order passed in Constitution Petition No.D-8496 of 2017 was also rightly distinguished in impugned judgment as it relates to clause 133 of the Sixth Schedule to the Sales Tax Act, 1990 and was not pari materia with the aforesaid SRO. The Restriction, as is apparent in the ibid SRO, is not seen in respect of goods disclosed in clause 133 of the Sixth Schedule to the Sales Tax Act, 1990. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
NA panel seeks action against counterfeit seed mafia
ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary committee on Wednesday directed the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R) to take strict action not only against companies selling substandard and counterfeit seeds but also against officials responsible for their registration. The directive was issued during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research, chaired by MNA Syed Hussain Tariq. It reviewed a report submitted by MNA Rana Muhammad Hayat Khan, convener of a subcommittee, which detailed irregularities in the sale of fake seeds and delays in wheat procurement and import. A senior MNFS&R official informed the committee that licences of 392 out of 1,200 registered seed companies had been cancelled. To improve transparency, the ministry has introduced a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) system to monitor the distribution and sale of seeds. However, members of the committee stressed that accountability should extend to government officials involved in the registration of these companies. They also urged the ministry to ensure equitable distribution of imported seeds across all provinces and to launch public awareness campaigns. It was recommended that seed trials be conducted in controlled environments to assess yields and develop a competitive edge in agriculture. It also resolved to invite the recently established National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority (NSD&R) to the next session to review its progress. The meeting emphasised that legal action must be taken against those selling fake seeds, stating that issuing challans is not enough, and urged the MNFSS&R to engage legal experts to ensure offenders are brought to justice. To protect farmers from exploitation by middlemen, the committee proposed announcing a minimum support price (MSP). Additional recommendations included compensation for affected farmers, stricter penalties of up to 10 years' imprisonment for violators, public distribution of educational pamphlets, and advancements in seed technology—such as heat-resistant varieties and improved sowing techniques. The committee also recommended a complete ban on the import and export of wheat, in light of the country's need. MNFS&R officials briefed the committee on recent initiatives, including Punjab's launch of an Electronic Warehouse Receipts (EWRs) system, which allows farmers to store their crops for up to four months with support from private banks. The government covers 50 percent of the loan mark-up under this scheme. During the session, the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) also presented updates on wheat research. While wheat yield per acre has increased from 27 to 33 maunds over the past decade, committee members deemed the progress unsatisfactory. They pointed out that much of the gain was due to favourable weather rather than advancements in policy or research. Committee Chairman Syed Hussain Tariq highlighted that agriculture, once contributing 35 per cent to the national GDP, now accounts for only 20 percent, and expressed concern over declining productivity despite major public investments and technological advancements. The meeting also raised alarms over declining water availability, rapid population growth, and the escalating impact of climate change—all of which pose significant threats to national food security. The performance of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) was called into question, with ineffective seed research cited as a major contributing factor to the declining yields of key crops such as wheat, rice, and cotton. MNAs Rana Muhammad Hayat Khan, Waseem Qadir, Nadeem Abbas, Syed Javed Ali Shah Jillani, Syed Abrar Ali Shah, Syed Ayaz Ali Shah Sheerazi, Zulfiqar Ali Behan, MNA, Usama Hamza, MNA, and Keso Mal Kheal Das and senior official of MNFS&R also attended the meeting. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
14-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan sends 300 agricultural graduates to China under PM's training initiative
Listen to article The first group of 300 agricultural graduates will depart for China on April 16 as part of a government-funded international training programme aimed at modernising Pakistan's agriculture sector, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research said in a statement on Monday. The initiative, titled the Prime Minister's Initiative for Capacity Building of 1,000 Agricultural Graduates in China, seeks to equip young professionals with cutting-edge skills in farm technology, biotechnology, and sustainable agriculture practices. 'Through collaboration with leading Chinese universities and research institutes, the programme offers specialised training in nine high-priority areas including farm mechanisation, biotechnology, genomics, precision agriculture, artificial intelligence, and high-efficiency irrigation systems,' the ministry stated. PM Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain are scheduled to attend a send-off ceremony on April 15 for the departing batch. The training programme, which will span between three to six months, is fully funded by the Pakistani government. Graduates were selected through a merit-based competitive process, with placements aligned to their academic specialisations. According to the ministry, participants are expected to return as 'master trainers' who will play a pivotal role in transferring knowledge and modern techniques to local farming communities, universities, and research institutions. The government had earlier announced plans to send a total of 1,000 agricultural graduates to China in 2025 under this capacity-building effort. Officials say the initiative reflects Islamabad's commitment to transforming agriculture into a high-tech and sustainable sector that can meet food security challenges and boost economic growth.
