ISLAMABAD, Jun 25 (Alliance News): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reiterated his government’s firm commitment to revitalizing Pakistan’s agriculture sector through a comprehensive agenda of sustainable reforms aimed at increasing productivity, reducing costs, and improving rural livelihoods.
Chairing a high-level meeting focused on agriculture sector reforms, the prime minister described agriculture as the backbone of the national economy and stressed that meaningful, long-term policy shifts would not only contribute to the country’s overall economic development but also enhance per-acre yields and minimize production expenses for farmers.
He directed concerned authorities to take practical steps toward gradually reducing taxes on agricultural machinery and tools. This, he said, would incentivize farm mechanization and modern farming techniques across the country.
The prime minister also emphasized the need to expand storage infrastructure to minimize post-harvest losses and stabilize prices for both producers and consumers.
Prime Minister Shehbaz welcomed financial contributions from provincial governments for new agriculture development initiatives, noting that their participation was crucial in sustaining momentum in the sector.
He expressed hope that agriculture students and scientists currently studying in China under scholarship programs would return with new knowledge and contribute to agricultural entrepreneurship and innovation in Pakistan.
In a move welcomed by the farming community, the prime minister announced that no new taxes would be levied on fertilizers or pesticides in the upcoming fiscal year.
This step is seen as part of the government’s strategy to support farmers by keeping agricultural input costs within manageable limits.
The prime minister underscored that agricultural reform is not just an economic agenda but a social one, directly benefiting millions of farmers and uplifting rural communities.
He stressed the need for increasing productivity, enhancing irrigation systems, building rural infrastructure, and facilitating easier access to agricultural credit through simplified loan procedures.
During the meeting, senior officials presented a detailed briefing on key proposals, including boosting crop output, modernizing irrigation and storage systems, and scaling up the availability of agri-financing through low-interest loan schemes.
The National Agriculture Innovation and Growth Action Plan was also discussed, with officials highlighting its goals to raise farmers’ incomes, stimulate exports, and enhance the efficiency of the value chain.
It was shared that the export of value-added agricultural products could significantly improve farmer earnings and add to the national exchequer. As part of innovation and digitization in agriculture, the meeting reviewed the progress of the Ignite program under the National Technology Fund, which has so far supported 129 agricultural start-ups across various sub-sectors. These start-ups aim to introduce smart solutions, digital tools, and research-based practices in farming and agri-business.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that agriculture remains central to Pakistan’s food security, employment generation, and export potential.
He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to engage both public and private stakeholders to implement reform policies with measurable impact.
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, along with senior government officials, private sector stakeholders, and agri-entrepreneurs.
