Islamabad, The Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research, chaired by Senator Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah, convened today at the Parliament House to address several urgent agricultural issues, including the non-availability of Urea fertilizer in Sindh and the non-recovery of cotton cess.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the committee’s session began with a discussion on the acute shortage of Urea fertilizer in Sindh, despite reports of a surplus. Chairman Shah highlighted complaints from farmers about the scarcity of fertilizer, which has led to inflated black market prices and is adversely affecting wheat crops. The committee directed the ministry to work closely with relevant stakeholders to resolve this issue promptly.

The session also discussed concerns raised by Senator Sarfaraz Bugti regarding alleged manipulations in the import of olive plants. In response, a sub-committee chaired by Senator Kamran Murtaza was established to investigate the matter and submit a report within two months.

Another significant topic was the non-recovery of cotton cess from textile firms, which has led to a shortfall in funding for cotton research and delayed salary payments to employees of the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC). With arrears exceeding 3 billion Rs, the committee instructed ministry officials to engage with the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) for the recovery of dues.

The committee was informed about the development of two new wheat varieties by the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC). Chairman Shah recommended creating a list of progressive farmers to enhance outreach and proposed a monthly newsletter to update farmers on agricultural advancements. He also advised PARC to collaborate with farmer associations in Sindh and Punjab.

The transfer of BS 19 and BS 20 Officers of PARC from Sindh to Islamabad was another issue addressed. The chairman called for a review of these decisions, stressing the importance of retaining officers who significantly contribute to regional agricultural development. Additionally, the committee requested a report on new cotton varieties and their market availability from PCC officials.

Senators Sania Nishtar, Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti, Seeme Ezdi, Jam Mahtab Hussain Dahar, and the Caretaker Minister for National Food Security and Research were among the attendees, along with officials from PARC and PCCC.