Islamabad, July 02, 2021 (PPI-OT):Prime Minister Imran Khan says the government has decided to take measures to become the food exporter instead of letting the shortage of food to become a national security issue. Addressing the National Kisaan Convention in Islamabad, he said food security is a great challenge for Pakistan, which could even become a national security issue if timely measures are not taken. The Prime Minister said the country is faced with new challenges as the population size is growing fast.

He said we need to prepare in advance as how to grow food during next 10 to 15 years. Imran Khan said the government is committed to enhance agri-produce in the country by providing technical assistance and direct subsidy to farmers. He said the government has introduced a nutrition plan under Ehsaas Program for children to meet the challenge of shortage of food.

Imran Khan said the government is focusing on research and seed development to enhance per acre yield and preserve perishable goods like fruits and vegetables. He said Pakistan imported four million tons of wheat last year which had to be paid for in foreign exchange amidst already existing shortage of dollars. He said we have large swathes of barren land in Dera Ismail Khan, Cholistan, merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and other parts of the country, which can be utilized for agricultural purposes.

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