ISLAMABAD, Jun 26 (NNN-APP) – Pakistani Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, said that, the country has been focusing on modernising the agriculture sector, by introducing sustainable reforms to boost the economy and uplift rural communities.
The introduction of sustainable reforms in agriculture will not only boost the country’s economic development, but also significantly enhance per-acre yield, and reduce production costs, the prime minister said, while chairing a high-level meeting on agriculture, yesterday.
Terming the agriculture sector as the backbone of the national economy, Sharif said that, the country has been taking measures and increasing agricultural productivity, modernising infrastructure, and facilitating access to affordable credit, are crucial pillars of the reform agenda.
He said that, taxes on agricultural machinery and tools, in order to encourage farm mechanisation are being reduced, adding that the provision of funds by provincial governments for new agricultural projects would play a key role in accelerating the growth of the sector.
Besides that, no new taxes are imposed on fertilisers or agricultural pesticides, in the upcoming fiscal year, he said, highlighting the country’s commitment to support farmers and keep input costs manageable.
He said that, the National Agriculture Innovation and Growth Action Plan is being implemented, which aims to raise farmers’ incomes, boost production, and steer reforms in the right direction.– NNN-APP