Islamabad: Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, and the Director General of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) convened in Islamabad to discuss strategies for bolstering Pakistan’s agriculture sector. The meeting underscored a mutual commitment to addressing the sector’s challenges and enhancing its contribution to the national economy.

The dialogue focused on several initiatives to support farmers grappling with rising input costs and adverse climatic conditions. A relief package is under consideration, aiming to provide economic stability through a transparent pricing mechanism. The discussion also touched on the General Sales Tax (GST) on cotton, with proposals to reduce or remove the tax to facilitate cotton growers.

The Ministry and SIFC expressed a shared goal of advancing the livestock sector with interventions in healthcare, breeding, and value chain development. The upcoming federal budget may feature a Kisan Package, designed to compensate farmers for past losses and offer financial support through subsidies and incentives.

The Federal Minister commended SIFC’s role in enhancing inter-institutional coordination and pledged the Ministry’s support for policy implementation. Major General Asad ur Rehman Cheema of SIFC emphasized the Council’s dedication to facilitating strategic investments and ensuring the timely realization of agricultural initiatives. Both parties concluded with an agreement to maintain regular coordination to achieve tangible benefits for Pakistan’s farming community.