FAISALABAD, Jan 26: Punjab Agriculture Minister Ahmad Ali Olakh has said the government has earmarked Rs1 billion to enhance land fertility to boost agriculture.

At a press conference after attending a meeting of scientists at the Ayub Agriculture Research Institute (Aari) on Monday, Mr Olakh said prosperity of small farmers was priority of the government so agri machinery, equipment, tractors and fertilisers were being extended to cultivators on subsidised rates.

He claimed the government had arrested the fertilizer crisis and also helped farmers through subsidy. The government took stern action against the black-marketers and hoarders, he added. Keeping in view the performance of scientists, he said, the government would enhance their ranks and salaries.

Earlier, Agriculture Director General (research) Dr Rashid said a seed foundation cell would be set up at Aari to enhance coordination between the Punjab Seed Corporation and private companies. The cell would also provide best quality seed to farmers. He said Pakistan was a developing country and Aari would introduce beneficial crops because the country resources are decreasing with every passing day.

He said agriculture scientists, representatives of agri-base industries and faculty members of different universities have been called to devise an agriculture research strategy.