PM Shehbaz directs for swift formulation of National Agriculture Policy

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed that a detailed and well-structured National Agriculture Policy be prepared without delay, in close coordination with all provincial governments.

He issued these directives while leading a high-level review session in Islamabad focused on reforming the Ministry of National Food Security and Research and overhauling the agriculture sector.

During the meeting, PM Shehbaz also called for the creation of a top-tier agriculture forum that would meet every month to monitor progress and ensure the effective execution of the Agriculture Innovation and Growth Plan.

The prime minister further ordered the launch of a countrywide outreach campaign for the Zarkhez e- Agricultural Loan Programme, aimed at making it easier for farmers to access affordable credit.

He stressed that the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council should be reshaped into a leading centre of excellence dedicated to advanced agricultural research and innovation.

Highlighting the importance of the farming sector in national development, PM Shehbaz noted that agriculture holds vast potential to drive Pakistan toward long-term and sustainable economic growth.

He emphasized that better quality seeds, modern farming techniques, and the timely availability of water and fertilizers are essential to significantly improve per-acre crop productivity.

The premier also underlined the need to strengthen value addition in agricultural goods, alongside upgrading storage facilities, warehousing systems, and overall post-harvest infrastructure.

Officials briefed the meeting that the National Agricultural Research Centre has begun experimental production of multigrain flour.

They also shared that an artificial intelligence-based mobile application is under development to help farmers identify and manage crop pests and diseases more effectively.

It was further informed that the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited will play a role in supporting farmers by facilitating easier access to financing and reducing lending risks.

The meeting was also told that the National Seed Policy and the National Agriculture Biotechnology Policy have already been approved recently.

In addition, consultations on the Pakistan National Olive Value Chain Policy have been completed, and the proposal will soon be submitted for final approval.

Work is also progressing on a National Wheat Policy, along with several other policies related to the livestock sector.