PM Shehbaz Pushes Agriculture Sector Overhaul with New National Policy
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the swift preparation of a comprehensive National Agriculture Policy in consultation with the provinces while directing the restructuring of the Ministry of National Food Security, Research and Agricultural Reforms.
- The government plans to strengthen agricultural innovation through an agriculture apex forum, research reforms, AI-powered technology, improved financing, and awareness of the Zarkhez Agricultural Loan Programme.
- Officials updated the meeting on newly approved agricultural policies, ongoing policy consultations, and initiatives aimed at improving crop productivity, storage, research, biotechnology, and affordable agricultural credit.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday called for the urgent completion of a comprehensive National Agriculture Policy and instructed that the Ministry of National Food Security, Research and Agricultural Reforms be reorganised according to modern standards.
He also directed the creation of an apex forum dedicated to the agriculture sector with the objective of encouraging innovation and increasing crop productivity across the country. While chairing a meeting, the prime minister instructed that a comprehensive National Agriculture Policy be finalised as soon as possible in consultation with the provinces
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He further ordered the establishment of an agriculture apex forum that will convene every month to oversee the effective execution of the Agriculture Innovation and Growth Plan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also instructed authorities to launch a nationwide awareness campaign for the Zarkhez Agricultural Loan Programme so that farmers can more easily benefit from agricultural financing opportunities. He emphasised that the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council should be developed into a true centre of excellence for agricultural research.
The prime minister stated that Pakistan’s agriculture sector possesses significant potential to support sustainable economic growth. He noted that adopting improved seeds, modern farming technologies, and ensuring the timely supply of water and fertilisers could substantially raise per-acre crop yields.
He also highlighted the importance of increasing value addition in agricultural products while improving warehousing infrastructure and introducing modern storage facilities.
During the meeting, participants received a comprehensive briefing on the agriculture sector and reviewed a series of proposals aimed at implementing sector-wide reforms.
Officials from the National Agricultural Research Centre informed attendees that the centre is currently producing multi-grain flour on a pilot basis. They also reported that an AI-based mobile application is under development to assist farmers in identifying crop diseases and pests while recommending suitable control measures.
The meeting was informed that the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited will provide financial assistance to improve farmers’ access to affordable agricultural loans. Officials further stated that both the National Seed Policy and the National Agriculture Biotechnology Policy have recently received approval.
Participants were also informed that consultations regarding the Pakistan National Olive Value Chain Policy have been completed and that the policy will soon be presented to the federal cabinet for approval. Additionally, consultations are continuing on a National Wheat Policy along with several policies concerning the livestock sector.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar and Shaza Fatima Khawaja; Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani; Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar; the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Agriculture, Ahmed Omer; and senior officials representing the relevant ministries and institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Agriculture Innovation and Growth Plan? The Agriculture Innovation and Growth Plan is a government initiative whose implementation will be monitored through a monthly agriculture apex forum. It focuses on improving agricultural productivity by encouraging innovation, better farming practices, and institutional reforms.
What is the Zarkhez Agricultural Loan Programme? The Zarkhez Agricultural Loan Programme is an agricultural financing initiative designed to make it easier for farmers to obtain loans. The government plans to launch a nationwide awareness campaign so more farmers can benefit from the programme.
What is the AI-based mobile application mentioned in the meeting? The AI-based mobile application is being developed to help farmers identify crop diseases and pests using artificial intelligence. It will also recommend appropriate control measures, helping farmers protect crops and improve agricultural productivity.
