New Agro-Industry Push to Boost Pakistan’s Exports and Rural Economy
ISLAMABAD, July 8 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday instructed the relevant authorities to develop a detailed action plan aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and implementing reforms in the sector.
He issued the directive while presiding over a review meeting on the agriculture sector’s performance and ongoing reform efforts.
“The government places top priority on boosting agricultural output, encouraging value addition, and increasing exports of farm products,” the prime minister stated.
He called for a comprehensive short- and long-term strategy focusing on the use of modern agricultural machinery, availability of high-quality seeds, geographical crop planning, and provision of accessible financing options for farmers.
To increase per-acre crop yield, the prime minister emphasized strengthening the role of agricultural research centers. He also urged fostering public-private partnerships to ensure cutting-edge research in the sector.
The prime minister highlighted the importance of leveraging international expertise for integrating artificial intelligence and modern technologies into agriculture.
He also instructed the formulation of a development plan for small and medium agro-industries, aimed at enhancing value addition and producing export-oriented goods.
In efforts to promote the cultivation of high-yield, profitable crops and achieve food self-sufficiency, he stressed the need to provide comprehensive support and guidance to farmers.
He underscored the importance of engaging farmers and stakeholders in policymaking and emphasized closer coordination with provincial governments to drive agricultural growth.
Acknowledging the impact of climate change, the prime minister called for measures to help farmers adopt climate-resilient seeds and modern farming practices. In view of shifting rainfall patterns and climate conditions, particularly in Sindh and Balochistan, he directed the development of a targeted plan to cultivate cotton in new suitable regions.
He also recommended exploring biofuel production as part of diversifying the country’s energy mix.
The meeting was briefed on the performance of major Rabi and Kharif crops from the previous year, challenges faced by the farming community, proposed policy directions, and the impact of climate change on agriculture.
Officials also presented updates on the implementation of ongoing government reforms.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed that a comprehensive and updated action plan for advancing agricultural reforms be submitted soon.
Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, agricultural experts, and senior officials were in attendance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is geographical crop zoning, and why is it important now?
Geographical zoning means assigning specific crops to areas where they perform best, based on soil, water, and climate data. With unpredictable weather patterns in 2025, the government is emphasizing zoning to ensure better yield, avoid water misuse, and help farmers shift to climate-appropriate crops.
Why is Pakistan focusing on cotton cultivation in new regions?
Due to declining productivity in traditional cotton belts, the 2025 strategy involves identifying new zones—especially in Sindh and Balochistan—for cotton farming. This includes better seeds, water infrastructure, and pest control to revive Pakistan’s cotton exports and reduce reliance on imports.
What role will artificial intelligence play in agriculture in 2025?
AI is being introduced to help with precision farming, weather forecasting, and crop health monitoring. In 2025, Pakistan is seeking foreign expertise and local innovation to use AI for improving productivity, reducing waste, and enhancing early-warning systems for climate and pest threats.
What are public-private partnerships (PPPs) in agriculture?
PPPs involve collaboration between the government and private sector to fund and operate services like research labs, processing units, or storage infrastructure. In 2025, Pakistan is using this model to modernize agricultural research centers and promote innovation in farming and agro-processing.
What does value addition mean in agricultural exports?
Value addition involves processing raw agricultural goods into more marketable or exportable products—like converting mangoes into pulp or wheat into packaged flour. The 2025 reforms aim to strengthen small and medium agro-industries to create jobs, reduce wastage, and increase foreign exchange earnings.
