ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the formulation of a comprehensive National Agriculture Policy at the earliest in consultation with the provinces to strengthen Pakistan’s agriculture sector.
Chairing a review meeting in Islamabad on the restructuring of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research and agriculture sector reforms, the prime minister also ordered the establishment of an apex agriculture forum. The body will hold monthly meetings to oversee the implementation of the Agriculture Innovation and Growth Plan.
Shehbaz Sharif also instructed authorities to launch a nationwide awareness campaign for the Zarkhez-e Agricultural Loan Programme to improve farmers’ access to affordable financing. He further called for transforming the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council into a centre of excellence for agricultural research.
The prime minister said agriculture has the potential to drive sustainable economic growth, stressing the importance of quality seeds, modern farming technologies, and the timely availability of water and fertilisers to increase per-acre crop yields. He also highlighted the need for value addition, improved warehousing and modern storage facilities.
The meeting was informed that the National Agricultural Research Centre has started pilot production of multigrain flour, while an artificial intelligence-based application is being developed to help farmers detect and control crop pests and diseases.
Officials also said the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited will support farmers by improving access to easy agricultural loans.
