Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for a comprehensive strategy to enhance agricultural reforms and boost production.
According to details surfaced on Tuesday, a review meeting on the performance and reforms of the agriculture sector was held under the chairmanship of the prime minister. The meeting was briefed by the task force established for the agriculture sector.
He also directed steps to be taken for the preparation of export-oriented products through value addition in agricultural commodities.
The prime minister stated that improving agricultural productivity and increasing relevant exports are among the government’s top priorities.
He called for a comprehensive plan encompassing modern agricultural machinery, high-quality seeds, and geographic planning of crops. He further instructed that a short- and long-term plan should be presented to ensure the provision of loans to farmers on easy terms.
Research centres should be made more effective to enhance per-acre yield of agricultural commodities. The prime minister has also emphasised the need to formulate a strategy for the development of small and medium-sized agro-industries to promote value addition.
He said that the focus must be placed on cultivating high-profit crops and achieving self-sufficiency in food security for Pakistan. A consultative process involving farmers and other stakeholders should be ensured for gathering practical suggestions.
