Washington: The Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, underscored the urgent need to improve financial access for smallholder farmers during a meeting with Alvaro Lario, the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The discussion took place on the sidelines of the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings 2026, highlighting critical challenges and initiatives within Pakistan’s agricultural sector.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Finance Minister acknowledged Pakistan’s position as IFAD’s largest core borrower, noting the extensive programme of work underway. He emphasized the government’s commitment to agricultural transformation, as demonstrated by initiatives such as the induction of new leadership and training programs for young graduates in modern agricultural practices. Key regulatory changes were also discussed, including the deregulation of the sugar and wheat sectors.

The Finance Minister pointed out the necessity of addressing gaps in the agricultural value chain, particularly in relation to post-harvest losses and storage infrastructure investment. The ongoing global crisis affecting fertilizer supply was also identified as a potential risk to agricultural productivity.

Both parties concurred on the importance of a structured partnership, with discussions exploring the possibility of involving multilateral partners like the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank to enhance the effectiveness of IFAD’s interventions in Pakistan.