Latest news with #NationalFoodSecurity
Express Tribune
28-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PBF urges budget relief for agriculture
Listen to article The Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) has urged the government to take concrete measures in the upcoming federal budget to reduce the cost of agricultural cultivation, calling for immediate tax relief on fertilisers to ease the financial burden on farmers. A PBF delegation, led by Chief Organiser Chaudhry Ahmad Jawad, held a detailed meeting with Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain to discuss the upcoming federal budget and advocate for targeted relief for the agricultural sector. The delegation emphasised that the federal government still holds the authority to reduce the cost of production for farmers. "Sustainable GDP growth is not possible without government support for agriculture," they stated. The delegation urged the government to eliminate the 18% GST on locally produced cotton and to reduce customs duties on imported machinery used in the cotton ginning sector. "The government must take concrete steps to reduce the cost of cultivation. Fertiliser prices should also be brought down by offering tax relief," they added. In response, Hussain expressed agreement with the forum's concerns and stated, "The ministry is actively working on eliminating the 18% GST on local cotton, including lint and cottonseed." He further noted that efforts are underway to resolve pending cotton cess liabilities from the textile sector to ensure the Central Cotton Committee does not face financial constraints. "We are also considering limiting tax-free imports of yarn and fabric under the Export Facilitation Scheme to support local cotton," said the minister. "This year, we are aiming to produce 10 million cotton bales locally, and we are making every effort to ensure that farmers receive relief in the upcoming budget." PBF also recommended that new research and seed varieties developed by the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) be implemented at the district level through local agriculture departments. "At present, we are unaware of the latest research being conducted in Islamabad. The ministry should work with provincial governments to bridge this gap." PBF welcomed the government's decision to allow the import of cotton seeds and proposed that legislation be introduced to ensure local banks provide loans to the SME sector.
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Raj cuts 17L names from NFS schemes, 1.5L from Jaipur dist
1 2 Jaipur: The Rajasthan govt has removed names of 17.6 lakh ineligible beneficiaries of the National Food Security (NFS) schemes, of which around 1.5 lakh are from Jaipur district. On instructions from the food and civil supplies department, all district headquarters carried out a campaign to segregate eligible and ineligible beneficiaries of the NFS. District supply officer Trilokchand Meena said that the district authorities have decided to extend the 'Give Up' campaign – launched by the state govt – till April 30, 2025. "No action will be taken against individuals who voluntarily remove their names from the food security list by April 30. Else, we are going charge a penalty at the rate of Rs 27 per kilogram based on the amount of food grains received from the date of listing in the food security list to the date of removal, along with the calculated interest," said Meena. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Officials stated for Jaipur, so far, 491 individuals have been served notices. "An updated list of ineligible beneficiaries is ready with us. If they don't remove the name voluntarily by April 30, we are going issue notices and slap fines against them," said a district official. According to rules, ineligible criterion include those with at least one member employed as a regular govt or semi-govt employee, or receiving a pension exceeding Rs 1 lakh per annum, or with a total annual income exceeding Rs 1 lakh for all members. Families owning a private four-wheeler are also not eligible for this scheme. Meanwhile, during the same period, the govt has added over 20.8 lakhs new eligible individuals in Rajasthan of which around 1.43 lakhs are from the Jaipur district.
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.
Express Tribune
12-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Govt's sugar export policy backfires
Listen to article The flaws in the sugar export policy have been exposed, leading to a rise in sugar prices. The government is now planning to import sugar to float in the market and stabilise prices. Sugar prices in the market have surged from Rs159 per kg to Rs170 per kg, with experts warning that prices could reach Rs200 per kg. Earlier, the government allowed the export of sugar, a decision that sparked criticism. Even the Chairman of the Sugar Export Monitoring Committee, Musadik Malik, was removed from the committee due to pressure from sugar millers. The government had linked sugar exports to price stabilisation in the local market. However, as prices began rising following the export of sugar, the committee chairman urged the prime minister to revoke the sugar export quota. Now, the government is feeling the heat of the sugar export decision as prices in the local market continue to climb. In response, the prime minister has directed the import of raw sugar to stabilise the market, further highlighting the flaws in the export policy. A high-level committee formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been tasked with conducting a detailed study on the effects and procedures of raw sugar imports, ensuring that any decision aligns with public interest and economic feasibility. The committee convened on Wednesday in Islamabad to discuss the potential import of raw sugar as part of efforts to stabilise domestic white sugar prices. The meeting, chaired by Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, was attended by Petroleum Minister Ali Parvez Malik, Minister for Industries Haroon Akhtar, and other senior officials. During the meeting, participants analysed the implications of importing raw sugar, weighing its potential benefits and challenges. Hussain emphasised that regulated imports could help control market volatility and ensure price stability for consumers. "The import of raw sugar could prove beneficial in stabilising the price of refined sugar in the country," Hussain stated. The committee also examined models used by other countries for sugar market regulation and discussed mechanisms to balance import strategies with domestic production. Hussain directed officials to conduct a comprehensive study on the impact and procedures of raw sugar imports, ensuring that any decision prioritises public interest and economic feasibility. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the food security minister reaffirmed their commitment to providing maximum relief to consumers, stressing that all policy measures would be taken with their welfare in mind. The government continues to explore strategies to mitigate inflationary pressures on essential commodities, with sugar prices being a key area of focus amid ongoing economic challenges.
Express Tribune
10-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
'Govt ensuring better prices for crops'
Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain has the government is working to ensure better prices for crops including wheat to benefit farmers. Talking to media in Muridke on Sunday, the minister noted that the government is determined to increase agricultural produce to maintain food security. The minister said farmers will get better price for their crops and measures are being taken to provide them relief. In reply to a question, he said that no opposition movement is taking place after Eid. He alleged that the PTI leaders are resorting to abusive language and pleas which has "become their political strategy".
