The
agriculture sector having a strong base and hardworking field farmers
can do a magic to the national economy provided certain improvement on
scientific grounds is made in the key areas like water management,
quality seeds, fertilizers and pesticides and proper return is ensured
to the farmers.
This week our Cover Story highlights all these issues to get the
desired results for the economic revival.
TANNERIES
Korangi
Industrial area houses the biggest cluster of tanneries in Pakistan. The
environmental degradation associated with tanneries has become a topic of
academic debate thanks to the increased pressure by the international agencies.
However, a sinister collusion between tanneries and poultry farmers is posing
grave risks to the health and lives of millions of unsuspecting people due to
toxic feed given to chickens. PAGE highlights the problem.
TEXTILE VISION 2005
This time with the involvement of
all the stakeholders draft of Textile Vision 2005 was prepared. The GoP has not
been able to announce the final policy as yet. However, it is expected that the
final policy would not be tilted towards any group or groups. The industry has
to stand on its own feet, without the help of crutches to be able to compete in
the global markets.
TRADE DEFICIT
There seems to be efforts to contain
trade deficit. The GoP is trying to boost exports and contain imports by
following specific policies. The country may not face a larger deficit this
year, if one exclude the hike in oil import bill. However, a fact to be kept in
mind that import of capital goods must increase to broaden the manufacturing
base in the country.
