ISLAMABAD, Jul 9 (Alliance News): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the formulation of a comprehensive and collaborative strategy with provincial governments for long-term agricultural reforms aimed at boosting production and reducing costs.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on the agriculture sector’s development, the prime minister emphasized that the reforms would begin with the provision of easy loans to farmers through a public-private partnership model.
He also ordered immediate reforms in the Zarai Taraqqiati Bank to ensure transparent loan disbursement.
The premier said the upcoming Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) will prioritize agriculture, focusing on mechanization, digitization, loan accessibility, and the creation of a business-friendly environment.
“Agricultural development is crucial to national economic growth and rural prosperity,” he stated.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to develop both the crop and livestock sectors, urging full federal and provincial cooperation for implementation.
The PM also called for short-term and long-term proposals to expand storage capacity for agricultural produce.
Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the use of agricultural zoning, value chain strategies, and AI-based technologies, particularly for small landholdings, to enhance productivity.
He further called for the creation of integrated digital platforms to deliver up-to-date agricultural information to farmers.
During the briefing, officials presented the National Agriculture Innovation and Growth Action Plan, which focuses on increasing farmers’ incomes and productivity, improving infrastructure, and enabling a more business-friendly environment.
The PM was informed that a program for easy farmer loans would soon be launched and that secure storage facilities are being developed.
Experts stressed that like other nations, Pakistan can support its farmers with transparent and simplified loan systems, enhanced use of AI to increase per-acre yields, and value-added exports to generate foreign exchange.
The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Dr. Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Dr. Musadik Malik, the PM’s Chief Coordinator on Agriculture Ahmad Umair, private sector experts, and senior officials.
