Minister of State for Education and Training, Engineer Muhammad Baligh Ur Rehman said that agriculture is a backbone of the national economy and Government Kissan Package is not only a revolutionary step for the farmers but will also helpful for the sustainable agriculture in the country.

He stated this while chairing an awareness seminar on  Khadim Punjab Agriculture Package at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi on June 30, 2016. MNA Raja Javed Ikhlas, Senator Najma Hameed, MPA Tehseen Fawad, PMAS-AAUR Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad, Agriculture Experts, scientists, faculty members, students and farmers were also present on the occasion.

Minister said that the present government under the leadership of Mian Muhammad Nawaz Shareef and Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Shareef is making all efforts for strengthening the agriculture sector and the progress of the farmers. He said that Kissan package will be helpful for achieving the self reliance in the agriculture production, alleviating poverty and achieving food security in the county.

He said there is dire need to promote cooperation between the government, farming community and industry to combat the challenges faced by agriculture sector.  He stressed the need to improve agriculture production system on scientific lines to enhance sustainable food production and to meet present and future demands for food in the country. He appreciated PMAS-AAUR for organizing the seminar on Kissan Package for raising awareness regarding its importance and effectiveness.

Minister of State said the law and order situation has been improved significantly across the country due to concrete steps of the government in this regard. He said National Action Plan (NAC) is being implemented in the country as we can see the incidents of terrorism have been controlled as compared to its ratio in the past.

Minister of State said that the government was making efforts to make "Quranic Education" compulsory in all public schools through out the country. He  said that "Nazra Quran" will be taught from class 1 to 5th and proper "Quranic Education" with translation will be taught to the students of class 6th to 10th in all public schools. He said that government is also making efforts to create linkages between academia and industries.

MNA Raja Javed Ikhlas, highlighted Punjab Kissan Package and the steps being taken by the Punjab government for the welfare and prosperity of the farmers. He said Punjab government is fully aware of the problems being faced by the farmers and has also taken effective steps for ensuring due return to them of their produce. He said that increase in per acre yield is not possible without transferring modern technology and results of agriculture to the farmers. He said that small farmers will have to be equipped with modern technology so that they could increase their production.

PMAS-AAUR Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad lauded the Kissan Package and said that it would bring revolutionary change in agriculture sector. The Vice Chancellor said that Pakistan is an agricultural country and efforts made by the government are appreciable. He said this kissan package will encourage farmers to adopt modern methods of cultivation which would boost yield. He also stressed on the use of modern agricultural tools to get maximum production.

Earlier, Minister of State along Vice Chancellor PMAS-AAUR also inaugurated biometric system and installation of the CCTV cameras in the campus. While talking, Minister said that the biometric attendance system and installation of the CCTV cameras would ensure full attendance of the teachers and the activities of the students. The federal government is fully committed to provide quality education to the young generation so that they could be able to share the responsibility of progress and prosperity of the country. He said that introduction of biometric verifica-tion system will help in improving the educational standard and this system will not only ensure punctuality, but recognise efforts of those who have been working hard to bring change, he added. Minister also planted a tree in the University campus.