ISLAMABAD, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain said that the country has been focusing on the best agricultural practices to enhance productivity and food security.
"Food security is a major global challenge today, and Pakistan has a special focus on agriculture, which has formed the backbone of the national economy," the minister said while chairing a meeting on agriculture on Thursday.
He said that efforts are underway to incorporate research and modern technology into the agricultural sector to boost per-acre yield, noting the improvements in agricultural output and ongoing technology transfer efforts and collaborations with countries, especially China.
"Plans are in place to send students to China and double the per-acre yield," he added.
Hussain said that several initiatives have been undertaken for farmers, including the provision of subsidies and funds, adding that fixed prices for crop production would be guaranteed and outstanding payments to the farmers would be made.
"Steps are being taken to bring more land under cultivation, including making barren land arable. Billions of rupees in loans have been provided to farmers, and other schemes are underway," the minister added. ■
