20000123

CE directs use of

EM tech in

environment,

farm sectors

ISLAMABAD: Chief Executive Gen Pervez Musharraf on Sturday directed the ministries of agriculture and environment to prepare detailed action plans for largescale introduction of effective microorganism technology in Pakistan.

These plans, to be presented within two weeks and based on the techno-economic feasibility, will be implemented in agriculture and rural development sectors.

The Chief Executive issued these directives here at a presentation given to him regarding the use of EM technology in the fields of agriculture, environment and health.

The presentation was given by Dr Teruo Higa, Prof University of the Ryukyus, Japan, who is also founder of the technology. Mrs Teruo Higa, Mr and Mrs Syed Ali also accompanied Dr T Higa.

The presentation was attended by the federal ministers for food, agriculture and livestock, environment and health and the high ranking army officers. Federal secretaries of the respective ministries were also present.

Effective microorganism technology is based on the use of naturally living microbes. The agricultural version of EM is very effective to ferment the animal and plant wastes to improve productivity of soils and to enhance crop productivity.

The time required to prepare compost is reduced and EM can enrich the wastes to make bio-fertiliser with an objective to reduce the dependence on chemical fertilizers with an objective to reduce the dependence on chemical fertilizers and increase profitability of agriculture in Pakistan.

The other benefits include the use of EM for managing sodic ground water, improving combustion efficiency of diesel engines for pumping water, treatment of industrial and sewerage water for human health.

Dr Teruo Higa presented experiences of the use of EM in different countries, especially the North Korea, where nationwide efforts were made for the introduction of EM in agriculture.

He also indicated that a similar effort is need in Pakistan to achieve self-reliance in agriculture.

The Chief Executive assured full governmental support to launch a nationwide effort as a part of agricultural development and poverty alleviation programmes of the present government.ÑAPP