PM orders apex forum for agriculture sector reforms

June 30, 2026 (MLN): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to formulate a comprehensive National Agriculture Policy at the earliest, in consultation with the provinces.

The premier issued the directive while chairing a key review meeting in Islamabad on the restructuring of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research and on agriculture sector reforms, according to a press release issued.

PM Shehbaz also directed the establishment of an apex forum for agriculture, which will meet monthly to ensure effective implementation of the Agriculture Innovation and Growth Plan.

He further directed the launch of a nationwide awareness campaign for the Zarkhez-e Agricultural Loan Programme to widen farmers' access to easy agricultural financing, and called for transforming the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council into a genuine centre of excellence for agricultural research.

The prime minister underlined the sector's significance, stating that agriculture holds immense potential to steer Pakistan toward sustainable economic growth.

He said per-acre crop yields could be substantially improved through the provision of quality seeds, modern farming technologies, and timely availability of water and fertilisers.

He also stressed the need to prioritise value addition of agricultural produce, along with improved warehousing and modern storage systems.

The meeting was informed that the National Agricultural Research Centre has begun pilot production of multigrain flour, while an Artificial Intelligence-based application is being developed to help farmers detect and control crop pests and diseases more effectively.

Participants were told that the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited would extend financial support to ease farmers' access to loans.

The meeting was further informed that the National Seed Policy and the National Agriculture Biotechnology Policy have recently been approved, while consultations on the Pakistan National Olive Value Chain Policy have concluded, with the policy set to be submitted for approval soon.

Additionally, the forum was told that consultations are underway on a National Wheat Policy, along with several policies pertaining to the livestock sector.

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