ISLAMABAD: The Senate Committee on Food Security recommended that tobacco be declared a crop and that a policy be formulated to protect the interests of tobacco growers. A sub-committee was constituted to examine the matter and submit its recommendations.
The Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security & Research met here on Thursday under the chairpersonship of Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan.
The Managing Director, Pakistan Tobacco Board (PTB), briefed the committee on the regulatory status of tobacco cultivation. He said the 1968 Ordinance and subsidiary rules framed in 2016 regulated tobacco cultivation. Senator Aimal Wali Khan argued that tobacco should be declared a crop rather than a commodity to ensure greater benefits for growers. He also expressed concern over unsold tobacco lying in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The ministry briefed the committee on declining wheat and rice yields. The minister identified the use of uncertified seeds, inadequate fertilizers, and climate change as major factors affecting production.
He said the government had introduced reforms in the agriculture sector, while banks had been directed to enhance financing and facilitate modern machinery for farmers. He added that measures were being taken to ensure quality seeds.
The secretary, Ministry of National Food Security & Research, informed the committee that wheat production had declined in 2024 but improved in 2026. He said production was largely dependent on DAP availability, with 50 percent produced locally and 50 percent imported from Saudi Arabia.
He noted that countries including India, China and the United States provided substantial fertilizer subsidies, whereas Pakistan was unable to provide similar support. Agriculture, he added, was a devolved subject, with around 90 percent of responsibilities transferred to the provinces.
The director general, Department of Livestock, briefed the committee on VRI vaccination for cattle. Senator Aimal Wali Khan raised concerns over the effectiveness and regulatory status of the vaccine, stating that cattle vaccinated with VRI had contracted Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (HS). He pointed out that despite directions issued in 2020, the vaccine had not obtained the required DRAP license. The committee was informed that the VRI vaccine was being sold and administered across the country without the requisite licenses.
The minister also briefed the committee on olive cultivation and production. He said Pakistan had made significant progress in olive production, had become a permanent member of the International Olive Council and received four international awards.
Balochistan was identified as the largest olive-producing province. The committee appreciated the efforts to promote olive cultivation and discussed drip irrigation, local production of olive plants and measures to enhance exports.
The chairman expressed concern over high palm oil imports and called for effective checks and balances on local vegetable oil and ghee producers to ensure fair competition and prevent monopolistic practices.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026