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'Corporate
farming to streamline output, increased income'
ISLAMABAD (July 05 2002) : The policy package for Corporate
Agriculture Farming (CAF) is a consensus document which was
approved by the Cabinet to seek efficiency of production and
increased incomes.
A spokesman of Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock said on
Thursday while denying a statement which termed corporate
agriculture scheme as conspiracy.
He said the policy package for Corporate Agriculture Farming (CAF)
was developed by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and
Livestock in consultation with the Federal Ministries of
Finance, Commerce, Industries and Production, Central Board of
Revenue and Board of Investment and provincial agriculture
department. The policy package is a consensus document, which
was approved by the Cabinet on June 19, he added.
He said that the objectives of CAF are to seek efficiency of
production and increased incomes by bringing together the
agricultural production, processing d marketing activities at
one place under management of a corporate entity.
It is to improve agricultural productivity and profitability
doses of fertiliser, quality seed, heavy machinery, efficient
use of water by using latest technology in the form of
sprinkler/drip irrigation, integrated pest management and
marketing expertise particularly for exports.
He said that the criticism of the policy has appeared in a
section of press, the major points of criticism relating to
CAF are clarified as under:-
The domestic investors have already shown their interest in
investing in corporate farming.
As far as the apprehensions relating to leasing of land to
multinational companies and emergence of East India Company
are concerned, safeguards have been adequately provided in the
policy framework to avoid any such happenings.
The prospective investors will have to be registered in
Pakistan under the Companies Ordinance 1994 and with the Board
of Investment, before undertaking corporate farming. Hence
these will be Pakistani companies.
Since state land belongs to the provincial governments, these
governments will also be a party to the case of leasing or
sale of land to the respective investors.
The fear of creating unemployment among the farming community
due to mechanisation is also not based on correct assessment
of CAF. The government believes that organised farming,
processing and marketing will involve more people at different
stages of production, processing and marking
Courtesy Business Recorder
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Pakissan.com;
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