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ISLAMABAD, Jun 3 (APP):Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain on Tuesday stressed the importance of focusing on value-added products to align tobacco processing, packaging and exports in Pakistan with global standards.
The minister held a detailed meeting today with the Chairman of the Pakistan Tobacco Board and discussed on the current state of the tobacco sector, exports, challenges faced by farmers and the overall performance of the board, said a press release.
The minister expressed satisfaction over Pakistan’s tobacco exports exceeding $100 million, terming it a promising development for the national economy. He said that the Pakistan Tobacco Board plays a vital and effective role in bridging farmers, industry and export markets. The Board’s role in ensuring fair pricing for farmers was particularly appreciated.
The minister emphasized the need to enhance the Board’s budget for research and development, in order to produce high-quality tobacco varieties that can fetch better prices in international markets.
The Chairman briefed the minister on the Board’s initiatives related to crop monitoring, traceability, and market regulation, to which the Minister responded positively. He suggested expanding the traceability system to additional districts to ensure transparency in production.
The minister termed the Board’s efforts in digital registration, data collection and farmer support schemes as a replicable model. He recommended promoting initiatives like the Kisan Card for providing subsidies, input support and access to agricultural loans to small farmers.
During the meeting, the Board’s new market exploration policy was regarded as a positive step towards enhancing exports. The minister instructed that new investments be encouraged through public-private partnerships, and that sustainable agricultural practices be promoted to ensure environmental conservation along with the growth of the tobacco crop.
Rana Tanveer Hussain lauded the overall performance of the Pakistan Tobacco Board and emphasized the need for stronger policy coordination between the ministry and the Board. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continue policy consistency for the stability of the tobacco industry and assured the Board of full support in its initiatives.