ISLAMABAD: An important meeting was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for reforms and development in the agricultural sector, in which key decisions were made regarding agricultural self-sufficiency, farmer facilities, promotion of modern technology, and sustainable development. Federal ministers and senior government officials attended the meeting.
As per the details, the Prime Minister emphasized that, “Allah Almighty has blessed Pakistan with fertile land, hardworking farmers, and experts, so we must utilize the full potential of this sector to not only become self-sufficient in food but also increase agricultural exports.”
He said that promoting modern technology to develop agriculture on modern lines is the top priority of the government, as this is the means of increasing production, reducing costs, and increasing farmers’ profits.
Important instructions made in the meeting:
- Farmers should be provided with agricultural loans on easy terms so that they can achieve better yields.
- Agricultural research and the use of modern seeds should be promoted, while reforms in the seed certification system should be accelerated.
- A comprehensive policy for sustainable agricultural and industrial development should be formulated, which should also include the promotion of forests to effectively combat climate change.
- A coordinated strategy should be developed in consultation with all provinces and relevant institutions.
- A comprehensive framework should be created for transparency and better regulation in the agriculture sector.
- A “National Agri Innovation Plan” should be prepared to align agriculture with modern requirements.
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The meeting discussed in detail the proposals presented by the working group established for agricultural reforms. These proposals included important points such as solving farmers’ problems, using technology, and reducing production costs.
Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Climate Change Senator Mosaddeq Malik, and other senior government officials attended the meeting.
The Prime Minister concluded by emphasizing that, “Agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy; therefore, all steps for the development of this sector should be taken in a timely and effective manner.”
