He expressed these views while addressing the participants at a function arranged by Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) here on Monday. He said that the government would take entire business community on board before chalking out any policy for the agriculture sector.
He said that the government was playing the role of a facilitator and no policy could practically succeed without the consultation of all the stakeholders. Gondal was of the view that no foreign/local investment is possible without political stability and the government was making all out effort to achieve the objective. He urged the business community to play its role in achieving the political stability.
The minister said that no progress is possible in any field without strengthening the political system."Institutions need to be strengthened with the guiding principle to work in their own domains," he added. The minister said that India and Russia were involved in destabilising Balochistan, but being a symbol of federation PPP-led federal as well as provincial government had foiled their nefarious designs.
While talking about the government achievements, Gondal said that it has recently launched an uplift package for the people of Balochistan. Replying to a question, he said that wheat is surplus in the country while cotton production will exceed 13 million bales this year. Optimum agricultural production can be guaranteed if the growers get reasonable return for their crops," the minister maintained. He advised the business community not to exploit poor farmers and pay their dues in time fixing just prices for their produce. He further advised the business community to work on value-addition of agricultural sector to earn maximum foreign exchange.
"Pakistan is a country that does not need any proof or guarantee regarding Halal food. There is a huge market for our meat, chicken etc the world over. You need to work on it as the government is ready to provide all facilities in this regard," he replied on a question.
In reply to another question regarding the availability of water for agriculture, Gondal said that the present government has approved 32 small and medium dams to be constructed across the country among them 12 have already been given funds and 2 of them have been inaugurated by the president. He said that a MoU will be signed with Monsanto (American Seed Company) in the near future which would help increase per acre yield.