The federal government has decided to take Pakistan’s agriculture sector out of traditional methods and link it with modern technology, research and financial facilities and has accelerated work on a new national agricultural strategy for farmers. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the relevant institutions to prepare a comprehensive national agricultural policy that would not only increase crop production but also provide practical solutions to long-standing problems faced by farmers.
In a high-level meeting held on Monday, the Prime Minister made it clear that Pakistan’s economy is largely dependent on agriculture, but changing weather conditions, rising production costs and limited availability of modern technology have created new challenges for farmers. According to him, the time has come to adapt the agriculture sector to modern requirements so that production can be increased and food security can be ensured.
The Prime Minister directed the concerned ministry to finalise the national agricultural policy as soon as possible after completing consultations with the provinces. He said that the new policy should not only cover crop production but also include all important areas like agricultural research, marketing, value addition, modern machinery and financial assistance to farmers.
The meeting also emphasised that modern technology should be brought directly to the farmers. Officials told the Prime Minister that the National Agricultural Research Center is developing an artificial intelligence (AI)-based mobile app that will help farmers identify diseases and pests in crops immediately and suggest appropriate remedial measures. Government sources say that this will enable farmers to take timely decisions and significantly reduce crop losses.
A briefing was also given on other ongoing projects in the field of agricultural research during the meeting. Officials said that a pilot project to produce nutritious multi-grain flour is also underway, which aims to promote new agricultural products with improved nutrition.
The Prime Minister also called the provision of financial facilities to farmers an important component of agricultural development. He directed the launch of a nationwide awareness campaign on the Fertile Agricultural Loan Program, saying that the desired development in the agricultural sector is not possible without providing access to easy loans to small and medium farmers. The meeting was informed that the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited will provide financial assistance for this purpose so that farmers can obtain agricultural capital at low cost.
The officials informed the Prime Minister that the National Seed Policy and the National Agricultural Biotechnology Policy have been approved recently, while the Pakistan National Olive Value Chain Policy will also be presented before the federal cabinet soon. In addition, consultations are underway on the National Wheat Policy and new policies related to livestock.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasised on the occasion that Pakistan does not only need to achieve higher production but also needs to increase exports by producing agricultural products according to world standards. He said that better seeds, modern irrigation systems, quality fertilisers, scientific research and use of technology can bring about a new change in the agricultural sector.
According to agricultural experts, if the government’s proposed reforms are implemented effectively, it will not only increase farmers’ income but also boost food production, the rural economy and the country’s exports. They say that a combination of modern research, digital technology and easy financial facilities can play a significant role in making Pakistan’s agriculture sector fit for the future.