Private investment in seeds, supply chains can boost yields, exports: Shahid Imran

LAHORE, Sep 27 (APP): Convener Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Regional Committee on Food Shahid Imran has said private investment in seeds and supply chains can significantly increase agricultural yields, boost exports and strengthen the rural economy.

Speaking at a seminar on “Food Security” here on Sunday, he called for a policy reset focused on crop diversification, innovation and greater private sector participation, particularly in oilseeds and pulses where Pakistan’s import dependence was highest.

He said agricultural priorities needed to be aligned with food security, crop diversification and export competitiveness.

Shahid Imran said Pakistan was blessed with vast arable land, diverse climatic conditions and a large workforce and could achieve self-sufficiency in staple food crops by bringing its entire arable land under cultivation without compromising productivity, quality or value addition according to international standards.

He said climate change, rapid population growth and continued volatility in global prices could further increase the country’s vulnerability to food insecurity.

He said rising food imports were placing a significant burden on Pakistan’s limited foreign exchange reserves, despite agriculture employing around half of the country’s workforce.

He stressed the urgent need to reform agricultural policies with a focus on achieving higher yields across all major crops to meet domestic requirements and address emerging food security challenges in line with the changing global and regional situation.