Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research, Dr. Kausar Abdulla Malik received an introductory briefing on Agriculture Policy Institute, Islamabad.Mr. Abdul Karim, Director General, gave detailed briefing on the function of the Agriculture Policy Institute and its ongoing projects API analyzes the impact of important agricultural policies on groups such as consumers, processors and exporters and advice on policy adjustments needed for greater efficiency and equity in the country.

Dr. Kausar Malik said that Agriculture Policy Institute should work on the unified comprehensive plan on food supply chain in consultation with provinces which would pave way for the control of artificial hike in food prices. The increase in food prices is the result of mismatch in demand and supply or hoarding due to weak regulatory frameworks. API should come forward with proposal to activate Food Security Advisory Council to serve as bridge between Federation and Provinces on the impact of important agricultural policies with special focus on food prices. The existing market committees in the country need to be reassessed with the cooperation of provinces to identify major issues and gapes at the grass root level.

 
Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)