PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY OF SINDH

AGRICULTURE, SUPPLY AND PRICES DEPARTMENT

LIST OF STARRED ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR

THURSDAY, THE 24^TH OCTOBER, 2024

25        *Mr. Ali Khurshidi:  

Will the Minister for Agriculture, Supply and Prices be pleased to State:-

Names of diseases damaging rice crop and damage caused from 01-01-2019 to 01-01-2024 along with decrease in production and steps taken to provide relief to farmers?

ANSWER

SARDAR MUHAMMAD BUX KHAN MAHAR, MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE SUPPLY AND PRICES:

The following main diseases are damaging the rice crop in Sindh:

These diseases are damaging the rice crop however, the rice crop is being sown in Kharif during the hot month of June and entire period of rice growing season remains hot. The attack of these diseases are not significant and are observed in patches due to which they are not reported.

26        *Mr. Ali Khurshidi:  

Will the Minister for Agriculture, Supply and Prices be pleased to State:-

1. Whether any target is fixed for sowing rice crop;
2. If answer to (a) above is affirmative, region-wise target fixed during 2022 and 2023 and steps taken for increasing the same?

ANSWER

SARDAR MUHAMMAD BUX KHAN MAHAR, MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE SUPPLY AND PRICES:

Yes target is fixed for sowing of rice crop.

The Region Wise Targets fixed for crop 2022 and for crop 2023 as under:

Following steps are taken by Agriculture Department to increase production:

1. Capacity building of Agriculture Extension staff by trainings.
2. Field Staff of Agriculture Extension is guided from time to time during the Rice growing season right from sowing to harvest.
3. Growers were guided for pest, disease and weed control for rice crop.
4. Awareness programs were held to minimize the post-harvest losses of crop of rice.
5. To minimize losses Rice thrashers were provided to growers on subsidized rates.

140      *Ms. Bilqees Mukhtar:  

Will the Minister for Agriculture, Supply and Prices be pleased to State:-

Which lentils crops has produced in Sindh as well as quantity of lentils crops during 2018 to 2023?

ANSWER

SARDAR MUHAMMAD BUX KHAN MAHAR, MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE SUPPLY AND PRICES:

There are three types of Lentils crops i.e. Red lentil, Brown lentil and Green lentil. Mostly Red lentil locally called Masoor is grown in Sindh.

YEAR-WISE AREA AND PRODUCTION OF CROP OF MASOOR FROM YEAR 2018 TO 2023 IS GIVEN BELOW

The district-wise area and production is at Annexure placed on the Table of the House

237      *Mr. Muhammad Daniyal:  

Will the Minister for Agriculture, Supply and Prices be pleased to State:-

1. Is it a fact that counterfeit fertilizer is being sold in the province;
2. If answer to (a) above is affirmative, action taken number of people booked during 2018 to 2020 alongwith steps taken to ensure that quality fertilizer is being provide?

ANSWER

SARDAR MUHAMMAD BUX KHAN MAHAR, MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE SUPPLY AND PRICES:

Officers of Agriculture Extension are empowered to take action against those who sell counterfeit fertilizer.

From 2018 to 2020 total 2,197 samples of fertilizer were drawn throughout Sindh and were sent to Fertilizer Quality Control & Testing Laboratories, Hyderabad. Out of 2,197 Samples, 184 fertilizer samples were declared as sub-standard. Actions were initiated against the such fertilizer dealers/ companies/ firms as per Sindh Fertilizer Control Act 1994 and Rules 1999 amended upto date

The details are reproduced below:- 

459      *Ms. Qurat ul Ain Khan:  

Will the Minister for Agriculture, Supply and Prices be pleased to State:-

How many Agricultural research institutes currently existing in Sindh province and how many new agricultural varieties introduced during 2017 to 2023?

ANSWER

SARDAR MUHAMMAD BUX KHAN MAHAR, MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE SUPPLY AND PRICES:

There are 46 Agriculture Research Institutes in Sindh province. Details is at Annexure placed on the Table of the House.

14 Agriculture varieties have been introduced in Sindh province during 2017 to 2023.

1. Cotton 6: (Mehran, Bakhtwar, Koonj, Nusrat, Saami, Shehzadi)

2. Wheat 2: (Sindhu, I.V-2)

3. Rice 3: (DR-16, DR-2020, Sindh Sudhar)

4. Mustard 2: (Mehran Raya, Sindh Raya)

5. Onion 1: (Husri-I)

525      *Dr. Fouzia Hameed:  

Will the Minister for Agriculture, Supply and Prices be pleased to State:-

Updates on recent development/ initiatives to increase agricultural productivity/sustainability alongwith programs/incentives the Government offering to farmers in Sindh?

ANSWER

SARDAR MUHAMMAD BUX KHAN MAHAR, MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE SUPPLY AND PRICES:

Yes, Government of Sindh has initiated various development initiatives / programs for increased agricultural productivity / sustainability of the farmers of Sindh province.

1. Agriculture Extension wing:

Agriculture Extension wing of this department are in contact with growers and provide advisory services for adaptation of sustainable agricultural practices to increase productivity / sustainability of crops.

Government of Sindh is aware that there is a need to improve productivity and sustainability of Agriculture. In this regard Sindh Agriculture Policy 2018 to 2030 has been framed focusing to increase Agriculture Productivity through implementing sustainable Agriculture practices in Sindh.

In light of this policy, new project have been initiated which including program and incentives for the farmer of Sindh. Some initiatives taken are:

1. “Transforming the Indus Badin with Climate Resilient Agriculture and Water Management” Funded by Green Climate Fund with co-share from the Government of Sindh. Project is executed by FAO. Project is contributing to create resilience among growers of the three project districts in Sindh namely Badin, Sanghar and Umerkot where currently 20 Climate Resilient Agriculture demonstration plots are being established in each districts. The Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) Practices like: Alternate Wetting & Drying (AWD), Zero Tillage, Use of Agriculture waste as mulching and compost making instead of burning. Use of laser leveling is being demonstrated at farmers field schools for optimum use of water and its uniform distribution in the field to increase per acre yield of crops.

2. Sindh Water and Agriculture Project funded by World Bank and Sindh Government also has number of interventions to support the growers of Sindh under the project wheat Seed Cash Re-imbursement program have been launched wherein wheat farmers holding 1 to 25 acres are provided with Rs.5, 000/- per acre and a lump sum payment of Rs.60,000/- per acre to support the flood affected farmers. Department has distributed 7.155 billion to farmers having land holding capacity of 1 to 25 acres and Rs.9.625 billion of lump sum payment at Rs.60,000/- per farmer having landholding capacity of 12.5 acres.

3. The project also focuses on providing subsidies for shifting to Water thrifty Crops, investment subsidies for enterprises for profitable value chain development, Hydro-Agro-Infomatic program that will insure early Warning systems and guidance to growers of Sindh, introduction of Climate Smart Agriculture practices through demonstration at growers field and stablishing Farmers Field Schools there, Subsidies for installation of High Efficiency Irrigation Systems, lining of water courses etc in the project areas of Sindh.
4. ICT Agriculture Extension Services Center, Directorate General Agriculture Extension has a help line for growers advisory services (Help line Number 03111646111) where the growers can call and get advice on how to increase their productivity sustainably and solve their field problems. Furthermore, it issues special advisories to face rains, droughts etc. through social media.

5. Furthermore, Hari Cards will be issued to the farmers for giving subsidies and other support directly.

II-        Agriculture Research wing:

1. Agriculture Research Sindh reclaimed 17,500 acres of salinity affected / Marginal soil through application of reclaimants like Gypsum, Sulfuric Acid, Humic Acid.    Looking at the effectiveness of above reclaimants, neighboring growers improve their unproductive land on their own expenses.

2. Agriculture Research Wing implemented Biosaline Agriculture Research and Development Phase-I program in three districts i.e. Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin 

1. In the above districts, satellite survey was carried to determine salinity / alkalinity status of the soil.

ii     Besides, salt tolerant crops / plants like Mustard, Rice, Guava, Quinoa, Kalar grass, Rhodes grass, Nepier grass, Jantar, Lemon, Grape fruit, Chiku, Phalsa, Jejube, Oilpalm, Coconut, Moringa, Conocarpus, Acacia, Eucalyptus etc were sown on 1,193 acres at farmers field.

3. Keeping in view the successes of above program for utilizing barren (saline) land; Agriculture Research Wing is implementing Biosaline Agriculture Research and Development Phase-II program in three other districts i.e. Tharparkar, Umarkot, Khairpur.

4. Salt tolerant crops / plants like Kalar grass, China golo, Salicornia, Helim seed, Basil seed, Wheat, Cotton, Lemon, Phalsa, Rhodes grass, Alfaalfa, Jejube, Gram, Mulberry, Guar, Fennel, Ispaghol, Chiku, Conocarpus, Eucalyptus etc were sown on 294 acres at farmers field. 

5. Other facilities like 2 Solar operated tube wells, 2 water reservoirs, 2 drip irrigation system were also installed at grower field in district Tharparkar.

III-      On Farm Water Management wing:

High Efficiency Irrigation Systems (HEIS): The On Farm Water Management Sindh wing of Agriculture Department, Government of Sindh has provided high-efficiency irrigation systems and installed drip irrigation systems over 12,189 acres across the province. These systems helped conserve water and improve the field application efficiency of irrigation water. It is planned to provide subsidy assistance for the solarization of 257 HEIS and 152 water-pumping systems for the operation of the Water Storage Reservoirs in the current financial year 2024-25.

Provision of Agricultural Equipment’s and Technologies: Provided 1807 laser land leveling equipment to save the irrigation water through uniform distribution of irrigation water in the field and this initiative has contributed in enhancing the agriculture productivity through uniform distribution of seeds and fertilizers.

Moreover 15,100 Kitchen Gardening were distributed among farmers to enhance the agriculture productivity and to fulfill the nutritional requirements of poor farming communities.

Farmer Field Schools: The 2,000 Farmer Field Schools have been established throughout the Sindh province to train the farmers for adoption of new techniques and technologies to enhance the agriculture productivity.

Improvement of New / Fresh Water: Through the improvement of watercourses, the farmers benefit by saving irrigation water up to 30% to 40% and reducing water logging and salinity, decreasing conveyance losses by up to 20%. Moreover, the saved water will bring more area under cultivation.

Additional Lining of Already Improved Watercourses. Additional Lining further to increase the benefits of the lining by saving more water, improving water conveyance efficiency and reducing water logging and salinity.

Lining of watercourses in Non-Command Areas for Lift pumps/Tubewells Already working in Sindh: In Non-Command Area, the issue of scarcity of water is more, hence, saving and utilizing every drop of water is necessary. Lining helps in saving precious water and prosperity of farming community.

Tunnel Farming and Vertical Farming: Tunnel Farming provides a controlled environment that enhances productivity and ensures a more reliable food supply. The development of 16 tunnel farms across 60 acres aims to provide enhanced crop protection from adverse weather conditions and pests, leading to higher yields and improved crop quality. It extends the growing season, allowing for the production of off-season crops and increased income for farmers. Tunnel farming also optimizes resource use, such as water and fertilizers, and supports sustainable agriculture by reducing the need for chemical inputs.

Water Storage and Solar Pumping Systems: The construction of water storage reservoirs operated through solarized pumping systems is underway. This initiative is aimed to ensure reliable water supply for agriculture, especially during dry seasons. Water Storage Reservoirs also aid in flood control. By implementing these interventions, the government aims to enhance agricultural productivity, conserve water resources, and increase the overall agricultural output in the province.

IV-Agricultural Engineering wing:

1. Installation of 219 Nos. of solar powered Tube wells to farmers on subsidized cost throughout the Sindh province.
2. Installation of 17 Nos. of solar powered Tube wells to farmers on subsidized cost in Tharparkar district.
3. Provision of 434 Nos. of difference types of Agricultural Implements like rotavator, thresher multipurpose, disc harrow, chisel plough, cultivator, zero tillage, border disc, auto loader etc. to farmers on subsidized cost throughout the Sindh province.
4. Provision of 100 Nos. of solar panel mounted moveable trolley to farmers on subsidized cost throughout the Sindh province.
5. Provision of service of Laser Land Leveling Equipment to farmers of Sindh province on subsidized rental charges.
6. Develop culture able land through Bulldozer’s operation on subsidized rental charges basis to the farming community.
7. Provision of service of backhoe for the development of agricultural land on subsidized rental charges basis to the farming community.
8. Harvesting / threshing of crop through the services of combined harvester on subsidized rental basis to the farming community.
9. Provision of service of Power Drilling Rig Machine on subsidized rental basis to the farming community.

V-Agriculture Marketing wing:

The Agriculture Marketing wing under its domain provides facilities and incentives for the farmers and established modern markets to sale their agricultural produce through open auction process and get fair price.

Besides the wing also proposed three modern agriculture markets during the year 2024-25 at Kunri, Mehar and Nangarparkar.

1. Construction of Mirch Mandi at Kunri.
2. Establishment of Fruit & Vegetable Market at Mehar.

3.,  Establishment of Sabzi Mandi at Nangarparkar.

VI-      Training & Research for AE&WM wing:

An ADP scheme namely “Controlled Environmental Techniques for High yield Vertical Agriculture in Sindh” is being initiated at Tando Jam District Hyderabad on 03 acres of demonstration site for High Tunnel, Green House, Nursery House and Hydroponics. The training about these modern practices will be imparted to small-scale farmers, students and staff at the institute and filed visits will be arranged at the demonstration site under the scheme.

VII-     Cotton Commissioner wing:

The Activities carried out for getting better yield of cotton during last 06 months are as under:

VIII-         Weight & Measures wing:

It is stated that the Sindh Standard Weight & Measures (Enforcement) Act, 1975, and rules 1976, mandated the verification of weights used in trade and commerce. This process is designed to ensure fairness and accuracy in transactions.

By verifying the correctness of these weights and instruments, the Act provides significant benefits to farmers. It ensures that their product is weighed accurately, enabling then to receive the correct price for what they sell. For instance, when farmers sell commodities such as sugarcane, wheat, or cotton to millers, the accuracy of the weight-bridges is verified by this office to maintain precision. This ensures that farmers receive fair value based on accurate weights for their commodities.

This accuracy in measurement helps protect farmers from potential fraud or discrepancies in weighing, thus supporting fair trade practices and enhancing trust in commercial transactions.

527      *Dr. Fouzia Hameed:  

Will the Minister for Agriculture, Supply and Prices be pleased to State:-

(a)    Whether it is a fact that measures are being taken to promote organic farming and reduce reliance on chemical inputs including collaboration with other stakeholders, research institutions, NGOs and private sector entities to support the Agriculture sector;

 (b) If answer to (a) above is affirmative, the details thereof?

ANSWER

SARDAR MUHAMMAD BUX KHAN MAHAR, MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE SUPPLY AND PRICES:

Following measures are being taken to promote organic farming in Sindh province:

1. Preparation of vermicompost (organic fertilizer) for application in crops for improving soil fertility. The vermicompost is being prepared in Soil Salinity and Reclamation Research Institute, Tandojam.
2. Preparation of leather meal (organic fertilizer) for application in crops for improving soil fertility. The Leather meal is being prepared in Soil Salinity and Reclamation Research Institute, Tandojam.
3. Preparation of Biofertilizer for application in crops for improving soil fertility. The fertilizer is being prepared from plant material in Biofertilizer laboratory established in Agriculture Research Center, Tandojam.
4. Preparation of Trichograma cards (carrying eggs of beneficial insect) for controlling Sugarcane stem borers without application of pesticides. 10 cards are used per acre (clipped in sugarcane leaves) with the interval of 15 days. The cards are being prepared at Plant Protection Research Institute, Tandojam.
5. Furthermore, Agriculture Research wing has 13 Soil and Water Testing Laboratories established in District Badin, Thatta, Tandojam, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Shaheed Benazirabad, Naushehro Feroze, Dadu, Khairpur, Sukkur, Shikarpur, Jacobabad. These Laboratories are used to analyze soil samples regarding availability of organic matter content in soil and suggest measures for improving organic matter content in the soil. Every year 45,000 to 48,000 samples are analyzed in the laboratories.  

594      *Mr. Abdul Waseem:  

Will the Minister for Agriculture, Supply and Prices be pleased to State:-

(a)   Whether it is a fact that Shopkeepers are charging arbitrary rates not a single thing available on its genuine rates, people are depressed due to inflation in Karachi;

(b) If answer to (a) above be in affirmative, action taken against responsible and when situation will be improved?

ANSWER

SARDAR MUHAMMAD BUX KHAN MAHAR, MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE SUPPLY AND PRICES:

The Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners are Controller of Prices & Supplies in their respective jurisdiction for fixation of prices of essential commodities under the Sindh Essential Commodities Price Control and Prevention of Profiteering and Hoarding Act is at Annexure placed on the Table of the House.

The Government functionaries responsible for price control are proactive to ensure implementations of the Sindh Essential Commodities Price Control and Prevention of Profiteering and Hoarding Act, 2005. The details of fine imposed against profiteers are at Annexure placed on table of the House.

812      *Mr. Faisal Rafiq:  

Will the Minister for Agriculture, Supply and Prices be pleased to State:-

1. Is it a fact that properties owned by the Fruit and Vegetables Market Committee has been occupied by the committee’s elected Chairman and employees in Karachi and other parts of the Sindh;
2. If answer to (a) above is affirmative, the reasons thereof?

ANSWER

SARDAR MUHAMMAD BUX KHAN MAHAR, MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE SUPPLY AND PRICES:

There is no such report that the properties owned by Fruit and Vegetables Market  Committee have  been occupied by the committee’s elected Chairman and employees of Market Committees in Karachi and other parts of the Sindh

849      *Mr. Jamal Ahmed:  

Will the Minister for Agriculture, Supply and Prices be pleased to State:-

(a)   What steps taken for the letup in the use of substandard pesticides being used for crops;

(b) Number of offenders punished since 1^st January 2022 to 1^st January 2024?

ANSWER

SARDAR MUHAMMAD BUX KHAN MAHAR, MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE SUPPLY AND PRICES:

There are 166 Pesticide Inspectors & Field staff i.e: (Agriculture Officers & Field Assistants) of Agriculture Extension wing who are educating and creating awareness among the farming communities from time to time on sub-standard pesticides and surprised visits are done on Pesticide Firms/ Dealers/ vendors for drawl of Pesticide Samples to check the Quality Control from Agriculture Testing laboratory.

The efforts/ steps taken by the Agriculture Extension wing regarding sub-standard pesticides are as under:-

Total 05 five number of offenders punished by Court of Law as per provision of the Agriculture Pesticide Ordinance 1971 & Rules 1973 amended up to date from the period 1^st January, 2022 to 1^st January, 2024.