PM seeks plan to boost agri production

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday asked the relevant authorities to present a comprehensive action plan to boost agricultural production and introduce agriculture reforms in the country.

He was chairing a review meeting on the performance of the agriculture sector and ongoing reforms.

"Improving agricultural productivity, value addition, and increasing exports of agricultural products are top priorities of the government," the prime minister said.

He directed that a comprehensive short- and long-term action plan be presented for modern agricultural machinery, quality seeds, geographical planning of crops, and provision of easy loans to farmers.

To enhance per-acre crop yield, the prime minister directed that agricultural research centers be made more effective.

He further directed that modern research be ensured through public-private partnerships in agricultural research centers.

The prime minister emphasized that the government should benefit from internationally renowned experts for the effective use of artificial intelligence and modern technology in agriculture.

During the briefing, the meeting was told about the production of major Rabi and Kharif crops from the previous year, challenges faced by farmers, the proposed future roadmap, and suggestions for improvements.

The meeting was also briefed about the progress on the implementation of government reforms, and the impact of climate change on agriculture.

Industrialists and business leaders

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday held a high-level meeting with top industrialists and business leaders from key sectors of the economy, reaffirming his government's commitment to economic stability, export-led growth, and private sector facilitation.

During the interactive session, business leaders lauded the prime minister's leadership and his economic team's persistent efforts in stabilizing the country's financial outlook, a Prime Minister's Office news release said.

They particularly commended the government for successfully concluding a critical IMF agreement and introducing a pro-business budget aimed at ease of doing business.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the participants and underscored the importance of collaborative policy-making. "The credit for economic stabilization goes to the tireless efforts of our team," he said, adding, "Our next objective is to steer Pakistan toward sustained growth, enhance exports, create jobs, and attract foreign investment."

He emphasized that future development would be driven by domestic resource mobilization, reducing dependency, and making Pakistan economically self-reliant. "The suggestions of the business community are vital for shaping policies that serve the national interest," he noted.

The Prime Minister announced that he would hold monthly meetings with the business community to ensure regular consultation and collective ownership of economic reforms. "We will consult private sector experts across every domain. This long journey of progress demands mutual effort and determination," he stated.

The industrialists acknowledged the government's budget as business-friendly and aligned with industry needs. They appreciated ongoing reforms in taxation and customs clearance systems, particularly improvements in FBR's digitalization and transparency at ports.

They also stressed the need for enhanced facilitation for exporters and investors, as well as policy alignment with the needs of businesses and industries to boost foreign direct investment.