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ISLAMABAD, Dec 18 (APP):Chairman of the Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani paid tribute to the farming community on Thursday, describing farmers as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, food security, and rural development.
In a message issued on the occasion of National Farmers’ Day, Gilani said that national food security, agricultural self-sufficiency and rural prosperity were not possible without the tireless efforts of farmers, who work day and night to feed the nation.
He stated that agriculture remained the primary source of livelihood for millions of families in Pakistan and played a crucial role in ensuring economic stability, promoting exports, and generating employment in rural areas.
Pakistani farmers, he added, not only met domestic food requirements but also produced high-quality agricultural commodities in demand in international markets.
Emphasising the need to improve farmers’ welfare, the Senate chairman said it was the state’s fundamental responsibility to provide modern agricultural facilities, quality seeds, timely availability of fertilisers, fair water distribution and effective extension services.
He also stressed the importance of access to agricultural research to enhance productivity, reduce costs and increase farm incomes.
Referring to challenges faced by the sector, Gilani said climate change, erratic rainfall, floods, droughts and rising input costs had emerged as serious concerns for farmers.
He called for comprehensive policymaking, promotion of crop insurance schemes, farmer-friendly credit facilities, affordable energy and adoption of modern agricultural technologies to address these issues.
He said Parliament was actively playing its role through legislation, oversight and policy measures to resolve farmers’ problems, ensure sustainable agricultural development and promote rural prosperity.
Concluding his message, Gilani said farmers’ prosperity was directly linked to national prosperity and reaffirmed the commitment to protecting farmers’ rights, improving market access and strengthening the agricultural value chain.