Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed relevant authorities to formulate a sustainable, long-term policy for agro-industrial development aimed at promoting agriculture and forestry while addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
Chairing a high-level meeting on agricultural sector reforms, the prime minister emphasized the need for a coordinated strategy developed in consultation with provinces and key stakeholders. He stated that modernizing Pakistan’s agriculture sector is central to achieving national self-sufficiency.
Highlighting the sector’s potential as a driver of economic growth, Prime Minister Shehbaz noted that Pakistan possesses fertile land, experienced agricultural experts, and a dedicated farming community. He underscored the importance of leveraging these resources through targeted reforms.
He instructed authorities to ensure easy access to agricultural loans for farmers and to prioritize research aimed at increasing crop productivity. The prime minister also called for the preparation of a National Agri-Innovation Plan and urged fast-tracking reforms in the seed certification system to promote high-quality seed development.
In addition, he stressed the importance of integrating modern technology into agriculture and directed the formulation of a comprehensive regulatory framework for the sector.
During the meeting, members of the agricultural reforms working group presented proposals aimed at improving sectoral performance. The session was attended by federal ministers Rana Tanveer Hussain, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Musadik Malik, along with senior government officials.