Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed on Monday that a comprehensive national agricultural policy be formulated at the earliest in consultation with the provinces.
He issued the directive while chairing a review meeting on the reorganisation of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research and reforms in the agricultural sector.
PM orders establishment of apex forum for agricultural sector
The prime minister also ordered the establishment of an apex forum for the agricultural sector. The forum will hold monthly meetings to ensure effective implementation of the Agriculture Innovation and Growth Plan.
He directed that a nationwide awareness campaign be launched for the Zarkhez-e Agricultural Loan Programme to improve farmers' access to easy agricultural financing.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting regarding transformation of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, in Islamabad on 29 June 2026. pic.twitter.com/EgbvS6gjHD
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 29, 2026
The prime minister said the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council should be developed into a genuine centre of agricultural research. He said Pakistan's agricultural sector has the potential to place the country on the path of sustainable economic growth.
He said higher per-acre yields could be achieved through better-quality seed, modern agricultural technology, and the timely supply of water and fertiliser.
PM calls for greater attention to value addition of agricultural produce
The prime minister also called for greater attention to value addition of agricultural produce, improved warehousing and modern storage systems.
During the meeting, officials presented proposals on agricultural reforms. The briefing stated that multi-grain flour is being prepared on a pilot basis at the National Agricultural Research Centre.
Officials informed the meeting that an artificial intelligence-based application is under development to help farmers control pests and crop diseases. The National Credit Guarantee Company Limited will provide financial support to facilitate farmers' access to agricultural loans.
The meeting was also informed that the National Seed Policy and the National Agriculture Biotechnology Policy have recently received approval. Consultations on the Pakistan National Olive Value Chain Policy have been completed and the policy will soon be submitted for approval.
Consultations are continuing on the national wheat policy and several policies relating to livestock.
Federal ministers, advisers and senior officials from relevant institutions attended the meeting.
.jpeg)
