Federal Minister of State for Industries and Production Tasneem Ahmed Qureshi has asked for suggestions on how to address the country's fertiliser issue by forming a regulating body for fertilisers. At a meeting held at the National Fertilizer Corporation of Pakistan (NFC), he called for monitoring pricing, demand, and supply of all fertilisers in order to assist farmers. He said that to raise awareness of the issue, suggestions in this respect have been solicited, and steps will be taken at every level.

NFC Secretary Faisal Sultan informed the minister that because urea is in low supply for farmers, its usage for industrial purposes in the country should be banned. The businesses would have to start making "neem coated" urea because this experiment has helped enhance crop yield in India, he said. The production of bio-fertilizer from industrial waste is widespread around the world, however it is not prevalent in Pakistan, he said. The NFC is prepared to start a pilot project and that special attention has to be given in this area, he added.

The government is dedicated to controlling fertiliser prices, demand, and supply, the minister said after expressing appreciation for the suggestions. He also examined the testing parameters at several facilities of the Technology Upgradation and Skill Development Company (TUSDEC).

Director of Projects Nabeel Asghar briefed the minister on the departmental performance. He said that TUSDEC, with assistance from the government and national and international donors, has successfully carried out a number of development initiatives for important industrial sectors including engineering, cement, textile, ceramics, and skills development. More than 20 projects totalling over Rs4 billion have been completed by the company, while other projects worth around Rs5.8 billion are now being executed across the country. These initiatives are all connected to technological advancement and talent development.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk