TIMERGARA: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa minister for agriculture Ikramullah Gandapur said on Thursday that the provincial government was committed to developing fisheries sector and wanted to increase the production of Mahasher fish.

He was talking to mediapersons after attending a meeting of district officers of agriculture,livestock and fisheries at Chakdara.

Provincial secretary agriculture Mohammad Israr, parliamentary secretary MPA Zarin Zia, and district directors agriculture extension of Lower Dir and Malakand attended the meeting besides other relevant of ficials.

The participants briefed the minister and secretary about the ongoing activitiesand performance of farm services` centres. Earlier, the minister set free 10,000 Mahasher fish in the Swat River at Chakdara for breeding purpose.

Mr Gandapur said that the government had devised a consolidated policy on agriculture with the consultation of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and it would be announce in mid August this year.

He said that the government was taking steps for development of agriculture sector to encourage farmers in the province.

He said that the government had planned to promote kitchen gardening to improve production of fruit and vegetable.

He said that farmers would be provided relief to get seeds and fertilisers on subsidised rates at the farm services` centres.