Introducing latest techniques in agriculture vital to boost economy: Ahsan Iqbal

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has said that agriculture is backbone of the national economy and introducing last techniques and technology in the agriculture sector hold key importance for boosting the economy.

While chairing a meeting on the government’s key initiative “Agricultural Revolution 2.0,” here on Friday, he highlighted the importance of increased production of crops, saying a revolution in the sector was needed to meet future challenges, said a press release issued here.

Ahsan Iqbal said the government was taking prompt measures to prevent the agriculture sector affected from the negative impacts of climate change, besides promoting research and introducing modern technology for getting better production.

The country had immense potential to further progress in the agriculture sector for which research was being promoted to increase the productivity of crops, he added.

The federal minister said there existed bright prospects for exporting agricultural commodities and livestock to China and Middle East countries.

“New projects are being launched to promote research and modern technology,” he added.

Ahsan Iqbal said that the government under the Agriculture Revolution 2.0 initiative, had planned to achieve self-sufficiency in the agriculture sector and promote exports of its products.

“We have to generate billions of dollars in exports from the agricultural sector.”

Currently, the federal minister said, Pakistan was importing agricultural commodities worth $10 billion annually.