Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Tariq Bashir Cheema informed the National Assembly that the government has set up sufficient funds to provide free seeds to flood-hit farmers in the country.

“I assure the members of the parliament that for the first time, farmers across Sindh and Balochistan provinces, and in the flood-hit districts in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces will be provided with free wheat seeds,” he said while participating in the debate.

Tariq Bashir informed the National Assembly that Rs 4 billion has been transferred to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for procurement of seeds. The federal government would provide another Rs 4 billion for the purpose, he said. It was also agreed that the provincial governments would match the amount announced by the federal government, he added. 

“We have started procurement of seeds, which will be distributed among the farmers of the flood-hit areas without any discrimination,” he said. The federal government is keen to support the agriculture sector in the flood-hit areas as it will be beneficial for the country, he added.

Participating in the debate, Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) leader Ghous Bux Khan Mahar asked the government officials to visit the flood-hit areas in Sindh and Balochistan. He said that relief goods have not been provided to flood victims in Sindh province and that the Sindh government must help these people living under the open sky.

The GDA lawmaker called upon all the political parties to set aside their political differences and work together to uplift people and bring prosperity to the country. The farmers affected by the recent floods should be provided with inexpensive fertilizers at their doorsteps, he added.

Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam leader Muhammad Jamal ud Din said that flood victims should receive assistance and compensation at their doorsteps.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Mir Murad Khan Jamali said that about 80% of the area of Balochistan province has been destroyed by the floods. He was grateful that the government has decided to give farmers in the flood-affected areas free seeds. He also asked the government to devise a policy to deal with the flood-like situation in the country.

Pakistan People’s Party leader Mir Munawar Ali Khan Talpur appreciated the Sindh chief minister for visiting the flood-hit areas and distributing relief goods among them. He also lauded the Pakistan Army for assisting the flood-hit people.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk