PM highlights transformative potential of agricultural sector

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday underscored the transformative potential of the country’s agricultural sector, describing it as pivotal to reviving the national economy.

He made the remarks during a consultative meeting with a delegation of agricultural stakeholders ahead of the federal budget for fiscal year 2026-27.

The delegation comprised representatives from farmer organisations, the dairy and livestock sectors, the value-added sector, seed companies, and both national and multinational institutions.

The meeting aimed to seek stakeholder input on the upcoming budget and discuss strategies to strengthen and modernise the agricultural sector.

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A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said that the participants lauded the PM’s efforts to promote peace amid the current regional situation and welcomed recent reforms, including the newly introduced Seed Policy, describing them as “game-changers” for the sector.

Highlighting ongoing initiatives, the prime minister noted that the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) was being modernised in collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences to accelerate agricultural research.

He directed the formation of a committee comprising experts and stakeholders nationwide to advance sustainable agricultural development and sectoral reforms.

Sharif emphasised the need for effective coordination between federal and provincial governments to ensure alignment of policies and regulations.

He called for special attention to increasing per-acre yields, promoting climate-resilient hybrid seeds, developing horticulture, advancing agricultural mechanisation and enhancing value addition.

Addressing provincial responsibilities, the prime minister specifically urged Balochistan to present a comprehensive plan to boost cotton production and instructed the immediate issuance of the notification for the newly reconstituted Cotton Board.

He also welcomed proposals for the promotion of dairy and livestock development.

“The government will continue consultations and cooperation with all relevant parties to ensure sustainable agricultural development, food security, and stability of the national economy,” the prime minister said.

During the meeting, participants were briefed on the government’s initiatives for farmer welfare.

Under the fertility scheme, small-scale farmers are eligible for loans of up to Rs1 million from banks on favourable terms.

Farmers are also provided with risk coverage and crop-loss insurance through the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

Drafts of the National Animal Health Act and the National Breeding Policy were presented to support dairy and livestock growth.

Delegation members shared their concerns about sectoral challenges and proposed solutions, while expressing confidence in the government’s economic and development policies.

Among those attending were Arshad Iqbal, Zeeshan Baig, Mahmood Nawaz Shah, Imad Malik, Rana Naseem, Ahsan Mustafa Bajwa, Jahangir Tareen, Fahad Patel, Shehzad Amin, Khizar Alam Khan, Amina Asif Bajwa, Zahoor Hussain, Usman Zaheer, Ahmed Qadir, Afaq Twana, Shaukat Rasool, and Khalid Khokhar.

The meeting was also attended by Minister for National Food Security & Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Climate Change Musaddik Malik, Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Power Division Awais Leghari, Minister for Science & Technology Khalid Magsi, Minister for Petroleum Ali Parvez Malik, Minister for Water Resources Muhammad Moeen Wattoo, Minister of State for Finance & Railways Bilal Azhar Kiyani, the special assistant to the prime minister on industries and production Haroon Akhtar Khan and other senior government officials.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026