LAHORE, Aug 02 (APP):Convener of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Regional Committee on Food, Shahid Imran on Sunday called for improved infrastructure and facilities in rural areas,saying food security and sustainable agricultural growth depended on empowering farmers. Talking to a delegation of farmers here,he said Pakistan’s food security was shaped in its rural areas and neglecting rural economies could have serious consequences for the country’s …
Rural development vital for agricultural growth,says Shahid Imran
LAHORE, Aug 02 (APP):Convener of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Regional Committee on Food, Shahid Imran on Sunday called for improved infrastructure and facilities in rural areas,saying food security and sustainable agricultural growth depended on empowering farmers.
Talking to a delegation of farmers here,he said Pakistan’s food security was shaped in its rural areas and neglecting rural economies could have serious consequences for the country’s agricultural sector and overall economy.
He urged the government to provide better infrastructure and essential facilities to rural communities to achieve food self-sufficiency and strengthen the agricultural economy.
Shahid Imran said farmers should be provided with access to modern agricultural technology,quality seeds,affordable farm inputs, efficient irrigation systems and better market linkages to enhance productivity.
He said inadequate infrastructure,limited access to finance,post-harvest losses and weak marketing mechanisms continued to affect the productivity and profitability of rural communities.
He called for long-term,farmer-friendly policies to increase agricultural output and promote sustainable rural development instead of relying on imported food.
He added that investment in rural roads,storage facilities,cold chains,agricultural research,education and healthcare would improve living standards,create employment opportunities and contribute to economic growth.
He said a strong rural economy was essential to ensure food security,reduce dependence on imports and build a self-reliant Pakistan.
