ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif reiterated today the government’s strong commitment to revitalizing Pakistan’s agriculture sector through sustainable reforms, emphasizing its role as the backbone of the national economy.
Sustainable Reforms to Enhance Productivity
Chairing a high-level meeting on agricultural reform, PM Sharif described the sector as “the backbone of the national economy,” noting that sustainable reforms would “not only boost the country’s economic development but also significantly enhance per-acre yield and reduce production costs.”
He directed the responsible authorities to gradually reduce taxes on agricultural machinery and tools to promote farm mechanization nationwide. He also called for accelerated efforts to increase storage capacity for agricultural produce.
Provincial Support and Innovation from Abroad
The prime minister acknowledged the provinces’ contributions, stating that “the provision of funds by provincial governments for new agricultural projects…would play a key role in accelerating sectoral growth.” He expressed confidence that Pakistani agriculture students and scientists currently on scholarships in China would “contribute to the sector’s development as entrepreneurs upon their return.”
Stable Input Costs and Rural Upliftment
PM Sharif announced, “no new taxes were being imposed on fertilizers or agricultural pesticides in the upcoming fiscal year,” underscoring the administration’s support for farmers. He highlighted that boosting agricultural productivity, modernizing infrastructure, and enabling access to affordable credit were vital pillars of the government’s reform agenda, which would “directly benefit farmers and uplift rural communities across the country.”
National Strategy & Start-up Ecosystem
Officials present during the briefing submitted recommendations aimed at increasing agricultural output, improving infrastructure, and expanding access to agricultural loans. The government detailed elements of the National Agriculture Innovation and Growth Action Plan designed to raise farmers’ incomes and advance sector reform.
Additionally, they shared that increasing exports of value-added agricultural products would further benefit farmers. Under the National Technology Fund’s Ignite initiative, 129 agricultural start-ups have been launched to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in farming.
Stakeholders at the Meeting
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for Climate Change Dr. Musadik Malik, PM’s Chief Coordinator Musharraf Zaidi, Chief Coordinator for Agriculture Sector Ahmad Umair, as well as private-sector entrepreneurs and senior government officials.
