ISLAMABAD (APP) - Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed provinces, particularly Balochistan, to present comprehensive plans for increasing cotton production.
He instructed that the notification of the reconstituted Cotton Board be issued immediately.
The prime minister was talking to a delegation of Agricultural Sector Stakeholders which called him at the PM House.
The delegation included representatives of farmers’ organizations, the dairy and livestock sector, the value-added sector, seed-producing companies, as well as national and multinational organizations.
The meeting, held ahead of the Federal Budget for Fiscal Year 2026–27, aimed to consult stakeholders from the agricultural sector regarding budget-related matters.
Participants appreciated the prime minister’s leadership and efforts toward promoting peace in the current regional situation.
They welcomed the recently introduced Seed Policy and agricultural reforms, describing them as a game changer for the agricultural sector.
The prime minister stated that Pakistan’s agricultural sector had tremendous potential to bring about revolutionary change in the country’s economy.
PM seeks comprehensive plans to increase cotton production
He said that, with the cooperation of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) was being modernized to accelerate agricultural research.
The prime minister directed the formation of a committee comprising experts and relevant stakeholders from across the country to advance the agenda of sustainable agricultural development and reforms.
He emphasized the need to ensure effective coordination between the federal and provincial governments and harmonize federal and provincial policies and regulations.
He instructed authorities to focus particularly on increasing crop yield per acre, promoting climate-resilient hybrid seeds, developing the horticulture sector, advancing agricultural mechanization, and enhancing value addition in agricultural products.
The prime minister reaffirmed that the government would continue consultations and cooperation with all relevant stakeholders to ensure sustainable agricultural development, food security, and economic stability.
The delegation was briefed on the government’s initiatives for agricultural development and farmers’ welfare.