ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif announced a strategic initiative to modernize Pakistan’s agriculture sector, aiming for agricultural self-reliance and economic growth. At a high-level meeting held in Islamabad, Sharif emphasized leveraging the sector’s potential through reforms and modern technology.

The Prime Minister underscored the importance of facilitating farmers with easy access to agricultural loans and highlighted the need for enhanced agricultural research to boost national growth. Recognizing the country’s natural resources, Sharif called for a sustainable and long-term policy to advance agro-industrial development, which includes promoting agriculture and forestry while addressing climate change.

In a bid for collaborative progress, Shehbaz Sharif stressed consultation with all relevant stakeholders, including provincial authorities, to formulate a coordinated strategy for agriculture development. He tasked relevant departments with the creation of a National Agri-Innovation Plan and urged acceleration of reforms in the agricultural seed certification system.

The meeting saw proposals from a working group dedicated to agricultural reforms, alongside directives from the Prime Minister for a comprehensive regulatory framework and promotion of high-quality seeds. The government’s focus on modern technology in agriculture was reiterated as a priority.

The session was attended by key ministers, including Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Minister for Climate Change Musadik Malik, along with senior government officials.