Resolution on
                Agriculture plight
 

LAHORE, Jan 12: In a resolution on agriculture situation, the Shoora condemned government's apathy towards the growers’ plight despite that the country is based on agri yields and over 80 per cent population thrives on this sector.Shoora said belying government claims the gas and power is much costlier in Pakistan than India because of heavy taxation and levies of duties on agricutlures inputs like fertilizers and machinery. Quality seeds are scarce and irrigation system is outdated which reduced per acre yield. Shoora criticized that Government is patronizing multinational companies' influence on Agri sector and devastation of this vital sector is looming large. It demands of the government to adopt interest-free Islamic loan system, mortgaged properties be returned to the growers after payment of actual loan while one-window operation be started to simplify loan system for peasants.It demands 25 per cent reduction in the prices of diesel, fertilizers and pesticides and machinery and should be capped for at least three years.Power tariff for tubewells be reduced to 50 per cent due to drought and billing should be made equal for all provinces. Irrigation system be modernized and care be taken to ensure water at the tails. Abiana be waived off at places where water is not available. Peansants be given subsidies for agriculture and livestock, tractor prices be reduced by 20 per cent and advisory boards be established for every crop comprising of experts and elected representatives to ensure better yields. Performance of export promotion bureau and commercial attaches at the embassies be improved to find new markets for fruits other agri products and increase exports in  order to improve peasants's earning. Communication from farm to markets be improved for faster supplies.The Shoora noted with concern that Agri package announced by Gen Musharraf had badly failed, and fertilizers are being sold at higher prices which should be stopped. It noted that against Rs 900 the DAP is being sold at Rs 1145 while Urea is being sold at Rs 535 against Rs 425.It demands that government must stop the policy making the provinces fight over water issue to prolong the rule, and instead confidence building be started among provinces while water issue be solved with concensus. It demands that government should fix support price of sugar cane at Rs 50 per maund and millers be ensured to purchase at this rate while deductions to peasants under various heads be stopped. IT also demands that apologetic attitude and policy regarding Baglihar dam,Wooler Barrage, Salal Dam, Kishan Hydroproject and Gall Canal schemes of India should be stopped and courageous stance be evolved for ensuring due
water share for the country.