ISLAMABAD: Announcing certain relief measures for the small farmers, Finance Minister, Syed Naveed Qamar said that government has withheld auction or sale of small farmers’ properties whose loans through ZTBL have become over due. He was talking to a group of MNAs who called on him to discuss proposals regarding relief to the agriculture sector. “Government directions to withhold auction/sale of properties of small farmers whose loans through Zarai Taraqati Bank Limited (ZTBL) have become overdue have been implemented,” he said.
He assured the MNAs that government would review their proposals for relief on account of interests’ payment on small farmers’ loans, especially those who are paying principal amount in time. The finance minister directed concerned agencies to ensure that crop insurance should become operative by next Rabi Season. The minister also directed ZTBL management to ensure that MCOs process farmers’ loan applications within seven days, adding that farmers be facilitated to file their loan applications in ZTBL’s designated branches to obviate delay in loan processing and sanction.
Finance Minister indicated that government would announce appropriate support price for wheat by September 2008, adding that it would provide large amount of subsidy to fertilizers to ensure affordable prices to farmers in order to improve productivity. He, however, directed the concerned government agencies to come up with measures to ensure that subsidies are reflected in fertilizers’ prices and also directed the availability of fertilizers to farmers during sowing season.
The government had also removed custom duty and sales tax on import of tractors and agri-implements to increase its productivity. He indicated that the government would support best possible options for tractors’ import to facilitate farmers’ technical input to maximize crop production. Necessary mechanism for agri credits to farmers would be worked out in consultation with stakeholders, Finance Minister said.-SANA
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