NA panel demands report on ‘misuse’ of capital’s agri farms

ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary panel on Tuesday directed the National Food Security and Research to provide comprehensive details of the agro-farms allocated in Islamabad to big guns, along with the yield generated from these farms.

The farms, initially designated for cultivating vegetables, fruits, flowers, and poultry to meet the city’s needs, are reportedly being converted into luxury housing. The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research chaired by Senator Masroor Ahsan expressed concerns over the misuse of these lands. These farms are spread across several areas, including Park Road Chak Shahzad, Kahuta Road, Murree Road, Tarlai Kalan, Sehana, and H-9. It is to be noted that 551 agro farms of various sizes had been allotted, with the majority—463—located in Zone-IV, and 17 each in Zones I and V.

Meanwhile, the panel unanimously passed “The Pakistan Animal Science Council Bill, 2023,” which aims to establish an apex body to advance the fields of animal sciences, particularly livestock, dairy, and poultry. Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hassan, one of the bill’s proponents, said the bill seeks to foster development and ensure the production of healthy, organic food for the nation. The committee also addressed issues of food insecurity and low agricultural yield. Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali, Chairman of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), attributed these problems to rapid population growth, urbanization, and climate change. Pakistan’s population, currently at 217 million, is projected to reach 350 million by 2050. The country needs 70 million tons of food annually, a figure expected to rise to 130 million tons by 2050. Additionally, 19.6 million tons of food are lost annually in parties and hotels. The PARC is researching high-yield crop varieties and drip irrigation systems to conserve water.

During discussions on Climate Smart Agriculture, the committee expressed dissatisfaction with PARC’s update. It recommended introducing cost-effective modern technologies to aid small farmers and requested details on farms in Islamabad and their yields. The committee criticized the Cotton Commissioner for insufficient information on the Rs 3.5 billion in cess liabilities owed by the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association. It called for a comprehensive briefing on cess dues and cotton varieties in the next meeting.

Dr. Tariq Khan, DG Plant Protection Department Karachi briefed the committee on locust damage in Sindh and Balochistan. He reported that in 2019-20, locusts damaged 7,045 hectares in Khushab, Punjab, and around 675 hectares of cotton fields in Sindh. He said, “There is currently no imminent locust threat.” To enhance future preparedness, the department has approved 2,421 new posts. Senator Aimal Wali Khan suggested focusing on mechanical support rather than staffing amid economic challenges. It also recommended providing new aircraft to replace outdated models from the 1950s.