ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stressed the need to develop a comprehensive strategy in collaboration with the provinces to achieve sustainable agricultural reforms.
Presiding over a meeting on agricultural sector reforms in Islamabad on Wednesday, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of boosting agricultural exports by leveraging agricultural zoning and adopting a value chain approach.
He stated that the implementation of these reforms would start with facilitating farmers’ access to easy loans. Additionally, he announced that a Public-Private Partnership model would be introduced to strengthen agricultural financing and ensure long-term growth of the sector.
He said reforms should also be introduced in Zarai Taraqiati Bank on emergency basis to ensure transparent and easy loan disbursement to farmers.
The Prime Minister said agricultural projects will be prioritized in the next Public Sector Development Programme. He said development initiatives will focus on mechanization, digitization, easy access to credit for farmers and establishment of a business-friendly environment. He noted that sustainable reforms in the agricultural sector will further boost the national economy.
He said special attention will be given to reforms in the livestock sector in addition to crop production. Reforms in the agricultural sector will result in significant increases in production and reductions in production costs.
Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that new proposals should be introduced for short and long-term strategies to increase storage capacity for agricultural commodities.
He noted agriculture sector can only progress in line with modern demands if experts cooperate in determining the direction of agricultural policies.
The Prime Minister said agricultural technology should be introduced considering the needs of small landowners. He emphasized that integrated use of digital platforms should be ensured to keep farmers informed about new agricultural knowledge.
