Karachi: In a major push to enhance agricultural productivity and self-reliance in Sindh, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has announced an allocation of Rs 8 billion for the development of the sector through the Benazir Hari Card. This initiative aims to incentivize growers during the Rabi planting season to boost yields, especially in wheat and other crops.

According to Chief Minister Sindh, the announcement was made during a joint meeting of the agriculture and irrigation departments at CM House, attended by key provincial ministers, the Chief Secretary, and other senior officials. The Chief Minister emphasized the critical need for revitalization following the devastating impacts of the 2022 floods, which affected nearly 4 million acres of kharif crops resulting in significant economic losses.

The meeting outlined several strategies to support growers, including the activation of agriculture department workshops to provide essential machinery for land leveling and harvesting. The Chief Minister also directed the preparation of schemes to offer agricultural machinery on easy instalments and encouraged farmers to avail agricultural loans offered by banks.

Furthermore, the agriculture department was tasked with guiding local farmers to cultivate crops with high export potential, particularly focusing on reducing imports and promoting self-sufficiency in essential commodities such as pulses.

These measures are part of Sindh’s broader strategy to strengthen the agricultural sector, ensure food security, and enhance the province’s contribution to the national economy through increased agricultural exports.