Federal Minister for Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam has stressed upon the agricultural scientists to pace up their efforts in order to increase per acre productivity and boost up the agricultural sector which is directly linked to poverty alleviation.

He, online, addressed the concluding session of 19th International Congress of Soil Sciences themed soil health and sustainable development goals at University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF). It was jointly arranged by UAF and Soil Science Society of Pakistan (SSSP) at Iqbal Auditorium . He said that the soil fertility was decreasing that was challenge for the agricultural scientists . He said that the government was taking all possible measures under Prime Minister Agriculture Program to uplift the sector and to address the grievances of the farming community. He added that 40 percent of our population was malnourished, which is a matter of grave concern. He said that the researchers should come up with viable solutions to address the problems of farming community and increase productivity in order to ensure food security.