Sir: Agriculture plays a vital role in the economic development of Pakistan. As much as 48 percent of the labour force is directly engaged in agriculture, and around 70 percent of the total population relates to agriculture market directly or indirectly. It also has a GDP contribution of 25 percent.
Recently, the Punjab government introduced special packages for farmers worth 100 billion rupees to improve their financial condition. Farming tools such as land levellers, rotators, etc. will be given to farmers on subsidised rates. Moreover, soft term interest free loans would also be given to farmers for Rabi and Kharif crops. Meanwhile, research on increasing the yield per acre will also be undertaken. All of this would provide tremendous relief to farmers. Because of the evident importance of the agriculture sector of Pakistan, it is important to consistently develop it for stability in the long run. Hence, these steps by the Punjab government are much appreciated, and they surely are a step in the right direction.
SHANZEY MUSTAFA
Lahore