The prime minister calls for a comprehensive agriculture policy, ministry restructuring and an apex forum to boost innovation, productivity and food security.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the government to finalise a comprehensive National Agriculture Policy in consultation with the provinces and ordered the restructuring of the Ministry of National Food Security, Research and Agricultural Reforms.
He issued the directives while chairing a high-level meeting on Monday to review reforms aimed at improving agricultural productivity and strengthening Pakistan’s food security.
PM seeks faster agricultural reforms
Shehbaz Sharif instructed officials to complete the National Agriculture Policy as soon as possible through consultations with provincial governments.
In addition, he ordered the creation of an agriculture apex forum. The forum will meet every month to monitor the implementation of the Agriculture Innovation and Growth Plan.
Furthermore, the prime minister directed authorities to launch a nationwide awareness campaign for the Zarkhez Agricultural Loan Programme so that more farmers can access affordable financing.
Focus on research and modern farming
The prime minister also called for the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council to become a centre of excellence for agricultural research.
He said Pakistan could achieve sustainable economic growth by strengthening its agriculture sector. Moreover, he stressed the importance of improved seeds, modern farming techniques, timely water supply and better access to fertilisers.
He also urged officials to expand value-added agricultural production and improve warehousing and modern storage facilities.
Officials present reform proposals
During the meeting, officials briefed the prime minister on several ongoing initiatives.
The National Agricultural Research Centre said it is producing multi-grain flour under a pilot project. Meanwhile, officials said they are developing an artificial intelligence-based mobile application to help farmers identify crop diseases and pests and recommend suitable treatments.
In addition, the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited will support farmers by improving access to affordable agricultural loans.
New agriculture policies move forward
Officials informed the meeting that the government has approved the National Seed Policy and the National Agriculture Biotechnology Policy.
They also said consultations on the Pakistan National Olive Value Chain Policy have been completed, and the proposal will soon go before the federal cabinet.
Meanwhile, authorities continue consultations on a National Wheat Policy and several new policies for the livestock sector.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers, senior government officials and representatives from relevant ministries and agricultural institutions.
