The Balochistan government has approved Rs 15.83 billion in subsidies in order to restore the agriculture sector in the province, which was badly affected by floods and lashing monsoon.
A high-level meeting was held under the headship of Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Abdul Qudous Bizenjo, which discussed the restoration of the agriculture sector in the province and approved the plan.
Considering the restoration of the agriculture sector and food security in the province, the meeting reviewed all possible ways and means.
The meeting approved over Rs 15 billion in subsidies for the farmers in the flood-hit areas to restore the agriculture sector- the largest employment sector in the province.
Provincial Ministers Zmarak Khan Achakzai, Mir Asadullah Baloch, Chief Secretary Balochistan, Abdul Aziz Uqaili, and other officials also attended the meeting. The secretary of agriculture in Balochistan explained to the meeting about the agriculture restoration plan in the province.
The meeting decided that the provincial government will give Rs 6.71 billion in subsidies to the farmers for purchasing seeds, Rs 6.47 billion for fertilizers, and Rs 2.62 billion for tube wells and solar systems restoration; thus helping the farming sector start anew.
Due to the recent torrential downpour followed by flash floods 52 percent of the standing crops were affected in different districts. Flash floods also affected the solar tube wells and canal systems. Preserved and stored agricultural seeds were also swept away. According to experts, this widespread damage to the sector could result in a food shortage for the local population.
Moreover, the meeting also decided that the provincial government will provide a 70 percent subsidy on agricultural seeds and a 50 percent subsidy on fertilizers. The restoration of the agriculture sector will also provide food security, employment to farmers, and Rs324 billion benefits.
Meanwhile, Food Minister Zmarak Khan Achakzai informed the meeting that sale points were set up in different spots at Quetta to provide low-priced flour to consumers. The provincial government is acquiring flour from the Punjab government and PASCO to overcome the food shortage.
“Relief must be provided to the landowners and farmers in order to avoid shortage of food,” Bizenjo stated.