Enhanced investment in agriculture vital for food security: Saif Ur Rehman

LAHORE, Jun 21 (APP): Coordinator to the Federal Tax Ombudsman Saif Ur Rehman on Sunday called for a substantial increase in budgetary allocations for the agriculture sector, describing it as the backbone of the national economy and a vital source of livelihood for millions of people.

Talking to a delegation of progressive farmers led by Group Captain Muhammad Iqbal Jatt (Retd), he said insufficient attention to the sector could aggravate the threat of food insecurity, particularly in the face of rapid population growth and changing climatic conditions. He observed that increased funding would enable farmers to adopt innovative techniques, reduce post-harvest losses and enhance the competitiveness of Pakistan’s agricultural products in local and international markets.

Saif Ur Rehman said agriculture plays a pivotal role in ensuring food security, supporting exports, generating employment and sustaining rural communities. However, he noted that the sector continued to face multiple challenges, including water scarcity, rising input costs, climate change, outdated farming practices and limited access to modern technology.

He stressed that greater government investment in agriculture was essential to boost crop yields, improve productivity and strengthen the country’s food supply chain. He urged policymakers to prioritize the provision of quality seeds, affordable fertilizers, modern irrigation systems, agricultural research and farmer training programmes.

Speaking on the occasion, Group Captain Muhammad Iqbal Jatt (Retd) expressed the hope that the government would introduce farmer-friendly measures in the upcoming budget to ensure sustainable agricultural growth and long-term food security for the country.