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ISLAMABAD, Jan 29 (APP):National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research met here Thursday with Syed Tariq Hussain in chair and discussed matters relating to agriculture sector development in the country.
Syed Javed Ali Shah Jillani, MNA, Convener of the Sub-Committee on the establishment of a Research Center at Khairpur, Sindh, presented the report and briefed the committee on its proceedings in detail.
The committee acknowledged and appreciated the efforts and dedication of the Sub-Committee Members and directed that the recommendations contained in the report be forwarded to the Ministry for necessary action and compliance.
The committee discussed a Point of Order raised in the House regarding the ongoing potato crop crisis, focusing on issues such as low market prices, high production costs, export constraints, subsidy support, and strategic measures required to protect farmers, stabilize the market, and safeguard the economic rights and interests of potato growers.
Rao Muhammad Ajmal Khan, Special Invitee, briefed the Committee on the actual cost of production and selling of potatoes, highlighting the reasons for the recent decline in prices.
He also outlined the challenges affecting exports, including transport difficulties, storage limitations, visa issues, problems with phytosanitary certificates, and associated delays.
The Department of Plant Protection informed the Committee that compared to the previous year, overall potato exports have improved, noting that higher production this year attributed to favorable weather conditions was a contributing factor.
The Ministry of Commerce added that, in response to a request from the Punjab Government, export-related issues had been taken up with the relevant authorities. Recognizing the urgency and complexity of the matter, the Committee directed the Ministry of National Food Security and Research to convene a joint meeting with the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture Department of the Government of Punjab, National Logistics Cell (NLC), Potato Growers Society, and other relevant stakeholders, and to report back to the Committee by February 2, 2026, for dissemination to all Members.
Taking note of the gravity of the issue, the committee unanimously recommended that a letter be sent to the Prime Minister requesting a meeting at his convenience during the coming week to apprise him of the severity of the potato crop crisis and present plausible solutions for timely and effective action.
The members also advised that the government consider intervening in the market to purchase potatoes directly from farmers at fair prices.
The committee further discussed the government’s future policy on the deregulation of the sugarcane industry, with emphasis on safeguarding the interests of sugarcane growers, ensuring timely procurement and crushing of sugarcane, and facilitating prompt payment to farmers.
The Ministry of Industries and Production briefed the Committee on actions taken so far, including meetings held, Committee membership, consensus on deregulation, correspondence with provincial governments, instances of inaction, reminders issued, and enforcement measures taken against sugar mills to ensure compliance and protect growers’ interests.
The committee recommended that the Ministry of National Food Security and Research adopt a proactive and forward-looking approach rather than responding only after issues arise.
The Ministry should prioritize resolving problems affecting crops currently under stress while simultaneously planning and preparing for upcoming crop cycles with clear vision, strategic foresight, and well-defined measures to ensure crop stability, farmer protection, and national food security.
The meeting was attended by the members including Rana Muhammad Hayat Khan, Nadeem Abbas, Chaudhary Iftikhar Nazir, Abdul Qadir Khan, Nazir Ahmed Bhugio, Zulfiqar Ali Behan, Syed Javed Ali Shah Jillani, Syed Abrar Ali Shah, Syed Ayaz Ali Shah Sheerazi, and Usman Ali.
Senior officials and representatives from the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Industries and Production, Agriculture Departments of the Governments of Punjab and Sindh, Department of Plant Protection (DPP), Potato Growers Cooperative Society, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority (NSDRA), and other relevant departments were also in attendance.