Islamabad, December 18:Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, in his message on the occasion of National Farmers’ Day, paid tribute to the invaluable contributions of farmers, stating that farmers are the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. He emphasized that national food security, agricultural self-sufficiency, and rural development are not possible without the tireless efforts of the farming community.
The Chairman Senate said that farmers work day and night to provide food for the nation and play a vital role in ensuring economic stability, promoting exports, and generating rural employment. He noted that Pakistan is an agricultural country where millions of families depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Pakistani farmers not only fulfill the country’s food requirements but also produce high-quality agricultural commodities that are in great demand across global markets.
Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani stressed that ensuring farmers’ welfare is a fundamental responsibility of the state. He underscored the need to provide farmers with modern agricultural facilities, quality seeds, timely availability of fertilizers, fair water distribution, effective agricultural extension services, and access to modern research in order to increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve farmers’ incomes.
Highlighting the challenges faced by the agricultural sector, he said that climate change, unpredictable rainfall, floods, droughts, and rising input costs have become serious concerns for farmers. He called for comprehensive and effective policymaking, promotion of crop insurance schemes, farmer-friendly credit facilities, affordable energy, and the adoption of modern agricultural technologies to address these challenges.
The Chairman Senate further stated that Parliament is actively playing its role through legislation, oversight, and effective policy measures to resolve farmers’ issues, ensure sustainable agricultural development, and promote rural prosperity. He reaffirmed the commitment to protecting farmers’ rights, improving access to markets, and strengthening the agricultural value chain.
Concluding his message, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said that farmers’ prosperity is synonymous with national prosperity, and that empowering farmers is essential for building a strong, self-reliant, and prosperous Pakistan.