KARACHI: The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (Unisame) has advised Prime Minister Imran Khan to take immediate steps to put agriculture, livestock, poultry, dairy farming, horticulture and hydroponic farming in top gear to fight inflation, which is damaging the economic fabric of the country, a statement said on Tuesday.

Unisame president Zulfikar Thaver urged the prime minister to set up a crops and commodities board for cotton, wheat, rice, sugar and commodities to manage surplus and shortfalls diligently.

Other important steps to be taken included an extensive increase in the storage facilities, which is lacking and also to develop dehydration and cold storage facilities.

Thaver said there is an urgent need to focus on the fishing industry by modernising boats, launches and ships.

The premier needs to direct the development of import substitution industries and promote industries using indigenous raw materials, he said.

He also demanded promotion of alternative energy and incentives to the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The Unisame Council also urged the prime minister to allow export of jaggery, Khaskhas and promote cultivation of precious herbs, roots and extracts, which are in demand worldwide for increasing exports.

It is also stressed to enter into barter trade with Iran and barter rice, meat and fruits for petrol, gas and electricity.

In addition, it is also necessary to declare austerity and it is high time the Cabinet takes immediate steps to curtail huge expenses.