Daily Times

Pakistan’s leading fertiliser brand Sarsabz, as part of its Salam Kissan initiative, invited young painters from across Pakistan to pay tribute to Pakistan’s marginalised farmers through a two-day wall paint activity titled “Canvas Wall”, held at Fatima Group’s Pak Arab Plant in Multan.

Hundreds of young painters across Pakistan participated in the pre-event online registration of this activity, as groups of 2-4 members, whereas 125 painters representing 40 teams were selected based on the likability of their proposed painting ideas. Top three winners of this competition won notable cash prizes from Fatima Group. The participants also enjoyed a specially organized social night to acquaint themselves with other attendees, while group activities such as the drum circle also preached a message of working together for a cause.

A special initiative like ‘Salam Kissan’ dedicated to becoming a voice of the small farmers and stretching an arm of support and encouragement towards them, will certainly go a long way in building a clear understanding of how Pakistan’s agriculture sector can be uplifted from its shambles, through the empowerment of these farmers.

Member of Provincial Assembly Ali Haider Gillani, the chief guest of the concluding ceremony appreciated the artistic work of young painters. He said that Pakistan is an agricultural country and farmers are its backbone. He emphasized on the welfare of farmers and provision of all basic facilities to the farmers.

Speaking on the occasion, Inamullah Naveed, Head of Fertilizer Plant at Fatima Group said, “Sarsabz Fertilizers have a big role in solving Pakistan’s food security challenges as they give 10% more yield than conventional fertilizers. However, the real credit goes to the users of fertilizer – our farmers! They are not only the backbone of our agriculture sector but also of Pakistan’s economy. “Salam Kissan, Sarsabz Pakistan” campaign is our collective effort to make our policy makers and public appreciate the struggles, sacrifices and efforts of our farmers for a prosperous Pakistan. Moreover, this event marks the operations resumption of our Multan plant after a gap of three years, due to non-availability of gas. It is an exciting and a colourful new start!”

Tariq Zahoor, local artist while talking to the scribe said that he has made portraits to pay tribute to the farmers of Pakistan. He said that behind every grain we consume, there is a hard work of a farmer.

At the end of ceremony cash prizes were also distributed among the winners. Team of Multan College of Arts secured first position and received cheque of 0.25 million. However, cheques of 0.1 million and 50,000 were given to second and third position holder.

‘Salam Kissan, Sarsabz Pakistan’ aims at becoming the very first initiative in the history of Pakistan highlighting the importance of small-scale farmers for the country’s economic prosperity. Sarsabz Fertilizer is working relentlessly to bring about a digital revolution to Pakistan’s agri-scene, in an effort to catalyse prosperity and growth in this sector. Through international and local collaborations, new products and services are being planned to be introduced for technical assistance and financial empowerment of these farmers.