Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed to formulate a comprehensive National Agriculture Policy at the earliest in consultation with the provinces.
He was chairing an important review meeting in Islamabad today on the restructuring of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research and reforms in the agriculture sector.
The Prime Minister also directed the establishment of an apex forum for agriculture. The forum will hold monthly meetings to ensure the effective implementation of the Agriculture Innovation and Growth Plan.
The Prime Minister also directed the launch of a nationwide awareness campaign for the Zarkhez-e Agricultural Loan Programme to improve farmers' access to easy agricultural financing. He also emphasized transforming the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council into a true centre of excellence for agricultural research.
Highlighting the significance of the sector, Shehbaz Sharif said agriculture has immense potential to put Pakistan on the path of sustainable economic growth. He said the provision of quality seeds, modern farming technologies, and the timely availability of water and fertilizers will significantly enhance per-acre crop yields.
The Prime Minister further stressed the need to focus on value addition of agricultural produce, improved warehousing, and modern storage systems.
The meeting was informed that the National Agricultural Research Centre has initiated pilot production of multigrain flour. It was also briefed that an Artificial Intelligence-based application is being developed to assist farmers in the effective detection and control of crop pests and diseases.
It was said that the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited will provide financial support to facilitate farmers' access to easy loans.
The meeting was told that the National Seed Policy and the National Agriculture Biotechnology Policy have recently been approved. It was also informed that consultations on the Pakistan National Olive Value Chain Policy have been completed, and the policy will soon be submitted for approval.
The meeting was further informed that consultations are underway on a National Wheat Policy as well as several policies related to the livestock sector.