Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for coordinated federal and provincial efforts to increase farm productivity and strengthen agricultural exports. He said modernising agriculture, developing livestock and improving production were essential for Pakistan’s economic growth and stability.
Chairing a high-level meeting on agriculture and exports on Friday, the prime minister stressed the importance of increasing output per acre. He also called for measures to expand access to international markets, identify new export destinations and increase value addition in agricultural products.
Shehbaz directed Pakistan’s commercial officers abroad to actively promote the country’s agricultural exports. He also ordered an effective media campaign to inform farmers about a mobile application designed to support crop monitoring and improve agricultural management.
According to a briefing, Pakistan’s agricultural exports reached $5.18 billion during the last fiscal year. Rice, fisheries, halal meat, potatoes, sesame, tobacco, mangoes and maize were among the major agricultural products exported by the country.
The meeting also discussed developing value chains to increase exports. China, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Gulf countries were identified as important markets for Pakistani agricultural products. The government also plans to activate the National Agriculture and Food Security Council with provincial representation.
Officials proposed a Digital Farmers’ Diary-Agri Stack to digitise farmers’ data and agricultural land records across Pakistan. The proposal also includes soil and water testing records. A Pakistan Good Agriculture Practices system was suggested to encourage more productive farming methods.
The government plans to improve access to agricultural financing for exporters as part of efforts to expand agricultural exports. The prime minister said better coordination, technology, value addition and financing would help make Pakistan’s agriculture more productive and competitive in global markets.
