LAHORE, Aug 22 (APP):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday directed the greater activation of agricultural research institutions to promote the development of the country’s agriculture sector and bring research activities in line with international standards. The prime minister chaired a meeting to review agricultural sector reforms and progress on government policy measures aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and supporting farmers. Shehbaz Sharif said providing all possible support to small …
PM directs comprehensive reforms to modernise agriculture sector
LAHORE, Aug 22 (APP):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday directed the greater activation of agricultural research institutions to promote the development of the country’s agriculture sector and bring research activities in line with international standards.
The prime minister chaired a meeting to review agricultural sector reforms and progress on government policy measures aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and supporting farmers.
Shehbaz Sharif said providing all possible support to small and medium-scale farmers to increase per-acre productivity was among the government’s top priorities. He directed that certified companies ensure the provision of quality seeds to farmers.
He also ordered the preparation of a comprehensive national system for estimating crop production in consultation with all stakeholders. He stressed that small and medium-scale farmers should fully benefit from government reforms aimed at introducing innovation in agriculture.
The prime minister directed authorities to make full use of the experience of students who returned last year after receiving agricultural training in China. He further directed that merit and transparency be given the highest priority in selecting students for agricultural training in China this year.
The prime minister approved reforms at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) and directed their early completion. He also ordered that the NARC and the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council be made more effective and brought in line with international standards.
The meeting was briefed by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research on progress in implementing agricultural sector reforms, as well as wheat demand, cultivated area and estimates for the production of the upcoming crop.
The meeting was informed that implementation of priority measures under the Agriculture Innovation and Growth Plan 2026-27 had been accelerated. The plan focuses on financial facilitation for farmers, provision of agricultural machinery, modern technology and digitalisation, research and capacity building, and food security.
Key initiatives include Kisan Ghar refinance, crop insurance, electronic warehouse receipt financing, farm machinery financing and the Prime Minister’s National District Development Programme.
The meeting was also informed that modern technology and artificial intelligence were being prioritised in agriculture. Progress was under way on the Pakistan Tobacco Board Automation Project, a crop assessment programme through SUPARCO and an AI-based application for identifying pests and plants. Several short-term initiatives have already entered the implementation phase.
The meeting was further briefed on measures to promote organic agriculture to boost exports and rural incomes. Work is progressing on developing selected agricultural clusters in Balochistan, including cotton and dates, as pilot areas for organic production, formulating a national organic policy and standards, introducing group certification and establishing a digital traceability system.
The government is also working to integrate research, certification, storage, processing and access to international markets to strengthen the value chains and export potential of local agricultural commodities and increase farmers’ incomes.
Regarding the new NARC master plan, the meeting was informed that the centre was being divided into seven districts to bring it in line with international requirements. The plan envisages five centres of excellence, reference laboratories, a biorepository, new research centres, including a research park for the private sector, a centre for international cooperation, a living laboratory and a public discovery park.
The prime minister approved the master plan and directed that its implementation be completed at the earliest.
Federal Ministers Ahsan Khan Cheema, Azam Nazeer Tarar and Rana Tanveer Hussain, and Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Agriculture Ahmed Umair attended the meeting.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Prime Minister’s Adviser Muhammad Ali, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant Tariq Bajwa and senior relevant officials participated in the meeting via video link.
