LCCI urged govt to declare emergency in agri-sector

Agriculture sector is in a severe crisis after suffering bulky losses in the recent spell of rains, hailstorms and breezy winds. Confer to that, Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) has urged the government to proclaim disaster in agri-sector and extend full support to the calamity hit growers.

LCCI urged govt to declare emergency in agri-sectorLCCI President Almas Hyder said that devastating rains and floods have caused huge damage to the wheat and other crops that has not only pushed the growers in central and southern Punjab to the wall but has also posed serious food security challenges.

He said that over 150,000 tons of standing and ready to cut wheat crop has been damaged only in Punjab, food basket of Pakistan. Almas Hyder called for an immediate survey to assess the actual damages of crops and compensation to the growers.

LCCI Senior Vice President Khawaja Shahzad Nasir and Vice President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigal said that relief measures should be taken immediately as growers were debt-stricken.

Growers borrow for seeds, pesticides and for other expenses. Farmers will be defaulters if immediate rescue measures are not taken.

As, Pakistan’s agriculture sector is the backbone of economy and to perk up, strongest and supportive policies reforms need to initiate promptly to tackle the disaster hit by the rains.