Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said agriculture and food security sectors constitute key pillars of the country’s economy.
He was chairing a meeting on the affairs of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research in Islamabad today.
The Prime Minister directed to make the consultation process with provincial governments, as well as the administrations of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, regarding the agriculture roadmap more effective. He also instructed officials to maintain contact with Pakistani scholars who have received training in agricultural research from China and seek their input on reforms in Pakistan’s agricultural sector.
The meeting was briefed on the Prime Minister’s Strategic Roadmap for Agriculture and Food Security. Participants were informed that a National Food and Agriculture Security Council, is being established across all federal units.
The briefing highlighted that the strategic roadmap is based on five pillars and aims to develop a stable and competitive agriculture and food system in the country.
Under the roadmap, measures will be taken to strengthen food security, while the private sector will be mobilized to enhance agricultural exports. Water governance will be improved and climate-resilient crops will be promoted on a priority basis, alongside coordinated research efforts.
The meeting was also told that steps will be taken to improve the nutritional status of the people of Pakistan.
It was told that a digital dashboard is being developed under the roadmap to monitor and improve storage and preservation of agricultural commodities, as well as mechanization in the sector. Agricultural system regulations are also being digitized.
The participants were informed that a farm and non-farm credit system is being introduced to improve farmers’ access to capital. Work will also be undertaken to enhance the nutritional value of crops and promote bio-fortified foods.
The meeting was briefed that targeted packages will be provided to promote agriculture in ten underdeveloped districts of the country. In addition, an Agri Graduates Utilization Scheme will be launched to promote agricultural research.
