Latest news with #MuhammadBakshMahar
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Minister opposes IMF demand of more taxes on agri sector
KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Agriculture Muhammad Baksh Mahar has expressed serious concerns over the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) demand to impose an 18% General Sales Tax (GST) and increase Federal Excise Duty (FED) on fertilisers, sprays, and agricultural machinery. Mahar said, 'The IMF's demand is extremely unfair and anti-farmer, which will prove disastrous for the country's agricultural sector and farmers. The IMF must refrain from proposing additional taxes on the agriculture sector.' He emphasised that farmers across the country, including Sindh, are already suffering due to climate change, water scarcity, and low crop prices. The provincial minister warned that the new taxes would lead to an enormous increase in agricultural production costs, ultimately jeopardising food security. He stated that this would trigger a new wave of inflation in the country. He strongly urged the federal government to persuade the IMF and make it aware of the importance of the agriculture sector. He made it clear, 'The IMF's demand is causing severe unrest among farmers, and we vehemently oppose any such proposal.' He said that providing facilities to agriculture is the need of the hour instead of imposing additional burdens on it. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
22-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Sindh to establish special desk for women farmers: Minister
KARACHI: The Sindh government has decided to establish a special desk in the Agriculture Department to address the awareness and problems of women farmers. This dedicated desk will be set up to resolve the issues of women farmers and address their needs so that their agricultural problems can be solved. Sardar Muhammad Baksh Mahar further stated that the Sindh government has decided to provide farmers with new solar tube wells, crop insurance, and watercourse linings under the Benazir Hari Card. During his address at seminar on food security and the key role of women in agriculture held at local hotel, he clarified that women would be provided with better information on modern farming techniques, new crops, and ways to achieve higher yields. Women farmers will also receive agricultural advice and information via mobile phones so they can learn more easily. The Agriculture Minister mentioned that the Sindh government will assist women farmers in purchasing better seeds, fertilizers, machinery, and other essentials to help increase their income. He emphasized the crucial role of women in the agricultural sector. He stated that the Sindh government has so far provided 24,000 kitchen garden kits to women farmers. He also revealed that the Sindh government has registered 1.4 million farmers in the province under the Benazir Hari Card through an online app. Farmers with up to 25 acres of land will receive financial assistance through this card. Under the Benazir Hari Card, farmers will be provided with subsidized new solar tube wells, watercourse linings, and crop insurance. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
07-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Sindh to host 35th National Games and Thar Jeep Rally
The Sindh government has announced plans to host two major sporting events in the province in the coming months. The 35th edition of the National Games will take place in Karachi from May 1 to May 9, while the Thar Jeep Rally is set for Mithi from April 10 to 13. This was revealed by Minister for Sports Sardar Muhammad Baksh Mahar during a press conference. The 35th National Games will be a major sporting event, with over 10,000 athletes and officials participating. The games, set to be held at 21 venues across Karachi, will feature 34 sports, with athletes from across the country competing. Teams from the four provinces will join participants from Islamabad, Azad Jammu Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Moreover, departmental teams from the Pakistan Army, Air Force, Navy, WAPDA, Railways, Police, and the Higher Education Commission will also compete. Minister Mahar said that this will be the first time in 18 years that the National Games are being held in Sindh, and all logistical challenges have been resolved. The Olympic Committee has finalised the venues, and security protocols will be strictly followed, particularly for the opening and closing ceremonies, which will take place at the Abdul Sattar Edhi Hockey Stadium. The games will see 2,760 athletes representing provincial teams and 5,600 athletes from departmental teams, along with 1,200 technical officials and 132 traditional athletes.
Express Tribune
09-02-2025
- Science
- Express Tribune
Climate Smart Tech initiative launched
KARACHI: The Sindh government has launched an innovative agricultural initiative to address the adverse effects of climate change on agricultural sector. Known as 'Climate Smart Technology (CST)' it was inaugurated by Agriculture Minister Sardar Muhammad Baksh Mahar at a ceremony on Saturday. One of the components of CMT is the establishment of a modern MRL (Maximum Residue Level) laboratory which will focus on preventing the spread of Panama disease, ensuring early cotton cultivation, and testing pesticide residues to ensure public health and crop quality. The agriculture minister stressed that although Pakistan contributes only a small fraction to global carbon emissions, it is among the nations most affected by the impacts of climate change. Agriculture, which serves as the backbone of the country's economy, has been increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather conditions, such as floods, droughts, glacial melting, and erratic rainfall patterns. The minister said that the CMT is designed to increase crop yields using fewer resources, ultimately benefiting farmers and ensuring more stable food production. One of the key benefits of the technology include 25 to 30 per cent reduction in irrigation water used for wheat cultivation, along with a potential 10 to 15 per cent increase in production; and the introduction of double-row planting methods.
