ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the development of Pakistan’s agriculture sector is crucial for the country’s progress. He stated that if farmers are provided with high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and genuine agricultural medicines at affordable prices, another agricultural revolution can be achieved.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of modern aeroponics farming at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) on Monday, he announced that Pakistan will now produce high-quality potato seeds locally with the cooperation of South Korea.
During his visit, the PM inaugurated the Seed Potato Production and Aeroponics Complex, a joint project between Korea Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture (KOPIA) and the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC). This initiative aims to improve the quality and availability of potato seeds in Pakistan, reduce production costs, and ensure that farmers get high-quality seeds at reasonable prices.
Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, other federal ministers, members of the National Assembly, South Korea’s acting ambassador, and agricultural experts attended the event.
Farmers Need Genuine Products for Growth
PM Shehbaz expressed satisfaction over the dedication of Pakistani agricultural scientists and experts in advancing the sector. He appreciated South Korea’s cooperation and acknowledged its expertise in agriculture, steel, and industrial development.
He emphasized that agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, with 65% of the country’s population engaged in farming. He said that hardworking and skilled Pakistani farmers can drive agricultural growth if they are provided with quality seeds, fertilizers, and genuine medicines at fair prices. He stressed that federal and provincial governments must work together to protect farmers from counterfeit agricultural products.
Highlighting Pakistan’s natural resources, he noted that the country has fertile land, rivers, and skilled agricultural graduates, and if given the right environment, the agriculture sector could meet domestic needs and export surplus produce. However, he said, progress would require practical efforts rather than just speeches.
Need to Boost Local Crop Production
PM Shehbaz regretted that Pakistan, once a leader in agriculture, is now spending billions of dollars on cotton imports. He said the new center would help farmers access the best quality potato seeds locally, reducing reliance on imports. He expressed hope that this initiative would improve potato production and allow Pakistan to start exporting potatoes.
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Comparing Pakistan with neighboring countries, he said they have surpassed Pakistan in agriculture because of better decision-making and timely actions. He acknowledged that Pakistan’s cotton and sugarcane yields per acre are lower than other countries and emphasized the need to appreciate farmers’ efforts, as they keep the agriculture sector running.
Encouraging Investment in Rural Areas
Shehbaz Sharif urged Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to invest in rural youth and increase vegetable and fruit production. He stressed the need for better cold storage and transportation facilities. He said that while past mistakes have led to challenges, hard work and dedication can still bring an agricultural revolution.
He announced that 1,000 fresh agriculture graduates are being sent to China for training, where they will learn modern farming techniques and help local farmers boost productivity upon their return.
Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the irony of Pakistan being an agricultural country that still spends huge foreign reserves on edible oil imports. He urged improvements in livestock farming and local production of agricultural machinery with private sector collaboration.
He also promised to hold discussions with agricultural experts and graduates to formulate a clear strategy for advancing the sector.
Green Revolution in Progress
Addressing the event, Federal Minister for Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain said that under PM Shehbaz’s leadership, the government is taking serious steps toward a green revolution. He said the potato seed project is a game-changer, moving Pakistan toward self-sufficiency in high-quality potato seed production.
Korean Agricultural Administrator Kwon Jae-han emphasized that their goal is to enhance agricultural productivity, adding that the collaboration with NARC will significantly increase potato seed production.
Advancing Biotechnology for Agriculture
Earlier, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology, a specialized institution focused on research in plants, animals, and microorganisms.
PARC Chairman Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali explained that traditional potato farming produces only five tubers per plant, whereas the aeroponic system can generate 50 to 60 tubers per plant. This technology will help reduce Pakistan’s dependence on imported potato seeds, cutting the import bill significantly.
Despite 850,000 acres of potato cultivation, Pakistan imports 6,000 to 12,000 tons of potato seeds annually due to poor-quality local seeds. The new project includes four aeroponic greenhouses, 35 screen houses, a cold storage facility, and a 100kW solar power system.
The PM also visited NARC’s laboratories and potato farms, where he inspected agricultural products and modern farming equipment. Agricultural researchers briefed him on their latest innovations.
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