ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday held a detailed meeting with representatives of Pakistan’s agriculture sector to discuss proposals and priorities for the upcoming federal budget, focusing on reforms, productivity enhancement and long-term food security.
The meeting brought together a broad range of stakeholders, including representatives from farmers’ organisations, dairy and livestock sectors, value-added agricultural industries, seed manufacturing companies, and both national and multinational agricultural institutions.
According to officials, the consultation was held ahead of the 2026–27 federal budget to gather input from key stakeholders on policy measures aimed at strengthening the agriculture sector.
Participants of the meeting appreciated the government’s efforts to promote regional stability and acknowledged the leadership role of the prime minister in pursuing peace-related initiatives.
Stakeholders also welcomed recently introduced agricultural reforms, particularly the new seed policy, describing it as a potentially transformative step for the sector’s development.
Addressing the participants, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan’s agriculture sector holds strong potential to drive economic recovery and structural transformation of the national economy.
He highlighted ongoing collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences to modernise the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), aiming to accelerate agricultural research through advanced scientific methods.
The prime minister directed authorities to form a committee comprising experts and relevant stakeholders from across the country to further strengthen agricultural development and policy reforms.
He stressed the need for improved coordination between the federal and provincial governments, urging harmonisation of policies and regulations to ensure consistent implementation of agricultural reforms nationwide.
Shehbaz Sharif also instructed focused efforts to increase per-acre crop yield, promote climate-resilient hybrid seeds, develop horticulture, advance agricultural mechanisation, and expand value addition in the sector.
He further called on provincial governments, particularly Balochistan, to present comprehensive plans for increasing cotton production and directed the immediate notification of a restructured Cotton Board.
The prime minister reiterated that the government would continue consultations with all stakeholders to ensure sustainable agricultural growth, strengthen food security and stabilise the national economy.
During the briefing, stakeholders were informed about ongoing initiatives under the Zarai scheme, under which small farmers are being provided loans of up to one million rupees on easy terms through banking channels. Farmers are also being supported through risk coverage mechanisms introduced by the State Bank of Pakistan and crop loss insurance schemes.
Officials also briefed participants on draft legislation, including the National Animal Health Act and the National Breeding Policy, aimed at promoting the development of the dairy and livestock sector.
Participants of the meeting shared their concerns regarding the agriculture sector and presented proposals for addressing key challenges faced by farmers. They also acknowledged government initiatives and expressed confidence in its economic and development policies.
The delegation included several prominent stakeholders from across the country’s agricultural ecosystem, while federal ministers from relevant ministries, including food security, planning, climate change, information, energy, science and technology, petroleum, water resources and finance, also attended the meeting.