ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has declared that equipping farmers with affordable fertilizers, quality seeds, modern machinery, and technical expertise for efficient water use stands as a top priority for the government. This announcement was made during the inaugural session of the National Agriculture and Food Security Council held in Islamabad.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister underscored the pivotal role of agriculture as the backbone of the national economy, highlighting its potential to swiftly propel Pakistan towards economic growth. Emphasizing the significance of fair pricing, he noted that ensuring just prices for crops, especially for small and medium-sized farmers, remains a government priority.

The Prime Minister assured that the federal government is committed to providing comprehensive support to provincial administrations for advancing agricultural development. He also noted the significant potential within the livestock sector to boost national exports and affirmed efforts to enhance Pakistan’s halal meat exports.

Commending provincial initiatives, the Prime Minister praised the Chief Minister of Punjab for measures benefiting farmers, such as aquaculture, shrimp farming, and subsidies via the Kisan Card. He also acknowledged the Sindh Chief Minister’s efforts to improve farmers’ welfare and access to necessary facilities.

Addressing the wheat supply and pricing, the Prime Minister confirmed that current wheat stocks suffice to meet national demand. He warned against any leniency towards those engaged in hoarding practices and stressed the need to set wheat prices before the sowing season to ensure fair compensation for farmers.

Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that while the government seeks to maintain affordable wheat prices for consumers, it also aims to deliver equitable returns to farmers. He stated that decisions on wheat pricing will involve provincial consultations, with an announcement to follow shortly after these discussions.

The session included contributions from the Chief Minister of Punjab and the Sindh Minister for Food, who outlined their provincial strategies for farmer development. The meeting also featured briefings on agricultural promotion initiatives across Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.