PM Orders Major Overhaul of Agriculture Sector, Pushes National Farm Policy

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed a comprehensive overhaul of Pakistan’s agriculture sector, ordering the immediate formulation of a National Agriculture Policy, restructuring of the Ministry of National Food Security, and the creation of a high-level agriculture forum to oversee reforms.

Chairing a meeting on the transformation of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, the prime minister instructed officials to finalize a comprehensive National Agriculture Policy in consultation with the provinces at the earliest.

He also directed the establishment of an agriculture apex forum that will meet every month to monitor the implementation of the Agriculture Innovation and Growth Plan and accelerate sector-wide reforms.

The prime minister ordered the restructuring of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research along modern lines and called for transforming the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) into a center of excellence for agricultural research and innovation.

Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan’s agriculture sector has the potential to drive sustainable economic growth, emphasizing the need to improve the use of certified seeds, modern farming technologies, timely availability of irrigation water and fertilizers, and better post-harvest infrastructure, including warehousing and storage facilities.

He also directed authorities to launch a nationwide awareness campaign for the Zarkhez Agricultural Loan Programme to improve farmers’ access to agricultural financing.

During the meeting, officials informed the prime minister that the National Seed Policy and the National Agriculture Biotechnology Policy had recently been approved. They also briefed him on progress toward a National Wheat Policy, livestock sector reforms, and the Pakistan National Olive Value Chain Policy, which is expected to be presented to the federal cabinet soon.

Officials further informed the meeting that the National Agricultural Research Centre is piloting multi-grain flour production and developing an AI-powered mobile application to help farmers identify crop diseases and pests while recommending appropriate control measures.

The meeting was also told that the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited would support farmers by improving access to affordable agricultural loans.