PM orders financial assistance for flood-hit

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday directed the provision of financial assistance to families affected by the recent rains and floods, including the families of those who lost their lives and owners of houses damaged by the floods.

The prime minister chaired a meeting on the recent monsoon rains and the damage caused by them, where he directed that financial assistance be provided to the families of all those who died in the floods.

The prime minister further directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and provincial disaster management authorities to remain fully prepared for relief operations in view of the expected rains and floods.

According to the briefing, a total of 615 tonnes of relief supplies had so far been dispatched to areas affected by monsoon rains across the country, while further measures were being taken to send additional relief goods.

Agriculture

PM Shehbaz Sharif directed the greater activation of agricultural research institutions to promote the development of the country's agriculture sector and bring research activities in line with international standards.

The prime minister chaired a meeting to review agricultural sector reforms and progress on government policy measures aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and supporting farmers.

He also ordered the preparation of a comprehensive national system for estimating crop production in consultation with all stakeholders. He stressed that small and medium-scale farmers should fully benefit from government reforms aimed at introducing innovation in agriculture.

The prime minister directed authorities to make full use of the experience of students who returned last year after receiving agricultural training in China. He further directed that merit and transparency be given the highest priority in selecting students for agricultural training in China this year.

The prime minister approved reforms at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) and directed their early completion. He also ordered that the NARC and the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council be made more effective and brought in line with international standards.

The meeting was briefed by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research on progress in implementing agricultural sector reforms, as well as wheat demand, cultivated area and estimates for the production of the upcoming crop.

The meeting was informed that implementation of priority measures under the Agriculture Innovation and Growth Plan 2026-27 had been accelerated. The plan focuses on financial facilitation for farmers, provision of agricultural machinery, modern technology and digitalisation, research and capacity building, and food security.

Key initiatives include Kisan Ghar refinance, crop insurance, electronic warehouse receipt financing, farm machinery financing and the Prime Minister's National District Development Programme.

The meeting was also informed that modern technology and artificial intelligence were being prioritised in agriculture. Progress was under way on the Pakistan Tobacco Board Automation Project, a crop assessment programme through SUPARCO and an AI-based application for identifying pests and plants.