Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the formulation of a comprehensive National Agriculture Policy in consultation with the provinces, as the government moves to restructure the agriculture ministry and overhaul the sector.

Chairing a review meeting in Islamabad on the restructuring of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, the prime minister also directed the establishment of an apex forum for agriculture that will hold monthly meetings to monitor implementation of the Agriculture Innovation and Growth Plan.

PM Shehbaz further directed the launch of a nationwide awareness campaign for the Zarkhez-e Agricultural Loan Programme to improve farmers’ access to financing, and called for transforming the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council into a genuine centre of excellence.

“Agriculture has immense potential to put Pakistan on the path of sustainable economic growth,” the prime minister said, stressing that quality seeds, modern farming technologies, and the timely availability of water and fertilisers would significantly enhance per-acre crop yields.

He also emphasised value addition of agricultural produce, improved warehousing and modern storage systems.

The meeting was briefed on several ongoing initiatives.

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.

The National Credit Guarantee Company Limited will provide financial support to facilitate farmers’ access to easy loans.

Officials told the meeting that the National Seed Policy and the National Agriculture Biotechnology Policy had recently been approved. Consultations on the Pakistan National Olive Value Chain Policy have been completed, with the policy set for submission for approval. Work on a National Wheat Policy and several livestock-related policies is also underway.