Addressing the meeting, the Prime Minister said that reforming agriculture and helping farmers adopt globally accepted practices is one of the government’s top priorities.

He noted that agriculture remains the backbone of the national economy and holds strong promise for growth if managed with focus, research, and modern tools.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the federal government is carrying out reforms within its mandate while working closely with provincial governments to promote agricultural development across the country. ‘Our goal is simple,’ he said. ‘We want higher output per acre, better quality produce, and stronger access to global markets.’

To raise per-acre yield, the government is taking steps to ensure farmers receive certified seeds, timely and fairly priced fertilizers, and effective medicines to control crop diseases.

The Prime Minister said these measures are meant to ease farmers’ daily challenges and improve productivity without increasing their financial burden.

He also highlighted policy actions aimed at value addition through processing of agricultural commodities. By turning raw produce into export ready goods, Pakistan can earn more from the same harvest and provide better returns to farmers.

Sharing recent progress, the Prime Minister said that one thousand Pakistani students have been sent to China on government expense to receive training in modern agricultural technologies. He described this initiative as an investment in the future, adding that skilled youth will play a vital role in transforming the sector.

The meeting was informed that Pakistan has vast untapped potential in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, dairy, and horticulture. Special efforts are underway to increase exports of fish, fruits, and value-added fruit products. The Prime Minister also directed that policy proposals be prepared for palm oil cultivation along the coastal belt.

Participants were briefed in detail on major Rabi and Kharif crops, average yields, fruit production and exports, livestock, and dairy, along with regional and global comparisons.

The working group presented a short-term reform framework to raise yields using existing resources, supported by improved extension services and farmer training on modern farming methods.

The meeting was further told that the government is developing a certification regime for agricultural processing, which will help Pakistani products gain higher value and trust in international markets.

A comprehensive plan to reform research institutions was also shared, focusing on increasing yields and introducing new, climate suitable, and profitable crops.

The Prime Minister appreciated the working group’s thorough briefing and directed it to prepare a practical, effective, and clear roadmap for increasing agricultural exports over the next five years, to be included in the government’s reform agenda.

Federal ministers, ministers of state, special assistants, and senior officials attended the meeting.