PM Shehbaz Sharif Calls for Comprehensive Agricultural Reforms to Boost Productivity
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday emphasized the urgent need for agriculture sector reforms and directed relevant authorities to prepare a comprehensive action plan aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and exports.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on the current state and future of Pakistan’s agriculture sector, the Prime Minister said that improving crop yields, value addition, and expanding agricultural exports are top government priorities.
Focus on Modern Farming and Financial Support
The Prime Minister instructed officials to draft a short- and long-term strategy focused on:
-
Modern agricultural machinery
-
High-quality seeds
-
Geographic crop planning
-
Easy access to farmer loans
He emphasized that such reforms would help transform the traditional farming landscape and significantly enhance per-acre crop yields.
ALSO READ: Government Announces Subsidies for Farmers on Fertilizers and Seeds
Strengthening Agricultural Research and Technology
To ensure long-term progress, PM Shehbaz directed the modernization of agricultural research centers, urging public-private partnerships to foster innovation. He also stressed the importance of integrating artificial intelligence and smart farming technologies, with support from international agricultural experts.
Promoting Agro-Industries and Value Addition
The Prime Minister called for a detailed action plan to develop small and medium-sized agro-industries, which would facilitate the value addition of agricultural commodities and help Pakistan tap into international markets with export-ready products.
He highlighted the need for continuous consultation with farmers and stakeholders to shape policies that are practical and farmer-friendly.
Food Security and Climate-Resilient Farming
PM Shehbaz emphasized making Pakistan self-sufficient in food production by encouraging the cultivation of high-yield, profitable crops. He also instructed authorities to assist farmers in adopting climate-resilient seeds and modern farming techniques, especially in the face of changing rainfall patterns and climate shifts.
In a significant move, the Prime Minister called for collaboration with provincial governments, especially in Sindh and Balochistan, to identify new suitable areas for cotton cultivation. He further directed research into integrating biofuels into the country’s energy strategy.
Roadmap and Reforms Ahead
During the briefing, officials presented details on last year’s Rabi and Kharif crop performance, challenges faced by farmers, and key suggestions for improvement. The meeting also reviewed the progress on current agricultural reforms and analyzed the impact of climate change on food production.
The Prime Minister concluded the session by ordering the formulation of a detailed action plan to further advance agricultural reforms in the country.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, along with senior officials and agricultural experts.
