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LAHORE, May 29 (APP):Head of British High Commission Lahore Office Ben Warrington called on Punjab Livestock Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, here on Thursday.
During the meeting farmer support models in agriculture and livestock sectors, climate change challenges, mutual collaboration between universities, breed improvement and foot and mouth disease programme came under discussion.
The minister said, “Punjab values Britain’s financial assistance in agriculture sector and we want to benefit from Britain experiences in livestock sector.”
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was focusing on development of agriculture and livestock sectors, he added.
He further said that during last one year interest-free financing had been provided to farmers under Kisan card and livestock card.
Kirmani said that these practical measures had helped to end exploitation of farmers by middlemen. He further said that ‘Transforming Punjab Agriculture Programme’ worth Rs 400 billion was being implemented adding that Punjab government was working on agriculture mechanization, effective irrigation system, provision of quality seed and setting up of research centres.
The government had started loan programme for ensuring high tech mechanisation for farmers and service providers, he said and added that for the first time breed improvement programme would be started in ten districts of Punjab.
Ashiq Kirmani said that two zones and five compartments would be made in next fiscal budget for effectively controlling foot and mouth disease.
Ben Warrington appreciated agriculture development process in Punjab which was ongoing under reform agenda.
He said, “We are well aware of the problems of farmers and wanted to seriously address them.”