Govt to give subsidised seeds, fertilisers to flood-hit farmers

The federal government will provide subsidised seeds and fertilisers to farmers in flood-affected areas during the upcoming Rabi sowing season, Minister for National Food Security and Research Tariq Bashir Cheema announced on Thursday. “We plan to provide subsidised wheat and edible oil seeds, and one fertiliser bag per acre to farmers in the calamity-hit areas,” said Mr Cheema during a meeting with the World Bank representatives. The disbursement will be made through provincial governments and the National Disaster Management Authority, he said, adding that the assistance would allow farmers “to stand back on their feet”. The minister has also directed the Department of Plant Protection to prepare a comprehensive plan to deliver farming inputs to affected areas. The programme will be implemented on a cost-sharing basis with the provinces, and the proposal will soon be presented to the federal cabinet for approval.