During the 51st session of the National Assembly, the Parliamentary Secretary for National Food Security and Research, Ahmad Raza Maneka, provided an update on the state of the country’s rice crop production. Despite facing flood devastation, the rice crop production remained in surplus, with 5.4 million metric tonnes (MMT) of rice produced against the local consumption of 3.8 MMT in the last year.
During the session, MNA Ghous Bux Khan Maher of the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) asked what measures the government had taken to enhance the yield of the rice crop, which had seen a decline to one-third. In response, Maneka stated that innovative methods of farming, hybrid seeds, and farmers’ training were the only remedies to ensure an increase in crop yield. He further elaborated that the latest methods and techniques of crop cultivation were being imparted to the farmers.
MNA Wajiha Qamar of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) also expressed concern about climate change and growing environmental degradation and asked what measures were being taken to ensure climate-resistant crops adaptable to shifting weather patterns. In response, Maneka reiterated that innovative farming methods and the use of hybrid seeds could help increase the yield of crops, including those that are climate-resistant.
Another topic that arose during the session was related to the Housing Ministry. MNA Salahuddin demanded that the Ministry provide details related to plots allotted to 16 employees of Grade-16 and above and clarify if any of these officials were awarded more than one plot. Parliamentary Secretary for Housing and Works Syed Mehmood Shah responded that the 16 employees were not yet allotted plots, but rather it was announced, and none of them availed dual plots in this case. The possession of these plots would be given after June.
In summary, during the 51st session of the National Assembly, the Parliamentary Secretary for National Food Security and Research provided an update on the state of the country’s rice crop production and responded to questions about measures being taken to enhance crop yields and ensure climate-resistant crops. The session also discussed the Housing Ministry’s plot allotments to employees.
