Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon has said the provincial government is taking practical measures to increase agricultural output and promote the local production of edible oil to reduce reliance on imports, conserve foreign exchange and improve farmers’ earnings.
In a statement issued on Monday, the minister said the area under mustard cultivation in Sindh had expanded from 51,870 hectares to 61,165 hectares. He added that cultivation of sesame and canola had also increased.
Memon highlighted the significant potential for expanding mustard cultivation in lower Sindh, saying that making effective use of available opportunities could further enhance agricultural productivity.
He said the government was prioritising financial assistance for farmers, subsidies on fertilisers, the promotion of modern agricultural machinery and the efficient use of irrigation resources.
The minister added that farmers were receiving financial support through the Benazir Hari Card. Subsidies on diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertiliser were also being provided under an additional relief package worth Rs14.9 billion for the farming community.
Memon reaffirmed that the Sindh government would continue supporting farmers, strengthening the agricultural sector and increasing domestic production. He said these efforts were aimed at improving farmers’ livelihoods while reducing Pakistan’s dependence on imported edible oil.
