PM Shehbaz directs major overhaul of agriculture sector

He also ordered the establishment of an apex forum for the agricultural sector to promote innovation and improve crop yields. Chairing a meeting, the prime minister directed that “a comprehensive National Agriculture Policy be finalised as soon as possible in consultation with the provinces”. He instructed the establishment of an agriculture apex forum, which will meet monthly to ensure the effective implementation of the Agriculture Innovation and Growth Plan. The prime minister also directed that a nationwide awareness campaign be launched for the Zarkhez Agricultural Loan Programme to enable farmers to access agricultural financing more easily. He emphasised that the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council should be transformed into a genuine centre of excellence for agricultural research. The prime minister said the agriculture sector had the potential to put Pakistan on the path to sustainable economic growth. He said the use of improved seeds, modern farming technologies, and the timely availability of water and fertilisers would significantly increase per-acre crop yields. He also stressed the need to focus on value addition in agricultural produce, improved warehousing, and modern storage facilities. During the meeting, participants were given a detailed briefing and presented proposals for reforms in the agricultural sector. Officials of the National Agricultural Research Centre informed the meeting that the centre was producing multi-grain flour on a pilot basis. They also said an AI-based mobile application was being developed to help farmers identify cro