Lahore: An official from the largest fertiliser manufacturing companies in Pakistan has suggested the provision of ‘smart subsidies’ to subsistence farmers in the country, according to a news source. A smart subsidy is financial help from the government or other bodies that help make the recipient industry sustainable, even if the loan is not continued after some time.
Engro Fertilisers Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Imran Ahmed stated that giving smart subsidies to these farmers will uplift the lives of millions of Pakistanis, and ensure food security at affordable prices. He added that 90% of the farmers in the country have quite small landholdings, consisting of 50% of all agricultural land in Pakistan, so they form a significant part of the agricultural sector.
Promoting their activities will improve the yield and quality of produce, and increase food security, one of the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations. To this end, smart subsidies can play a crucial role in the progress of the agriculture sector of Pakistan.
