ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that transformative reforms in Pakistan's agriculture sector are essential for strengthening the national economy. Chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday, the prime minister underscored the critical role of agriculture in the country's economic framework. He stated that increasing per-acre crop yields would significantly reduce production costs and uplift the rural economy.
To facilitate this goal, the prime minister announced that no taxes would be levied on fertilizers and pesticides in the federal budget for 2025–26. He also directed that taxes on agricultural machinery and equipment be reduced in phases to encourage farm mechanization and modern techniques.
PM Shehbaz further instructed authorities to expedite efforts aimed at expanding storage capacity for agricultural commodities, ensuring food security and reducing post-harvest losses. He welcomed the budgetary allocation for new agriculture development projects and expressed optimism that students sent to China on agricultural scholarships would contribute to the sector as innovative entrepreneurs upon their return.
Highlighting the direct benefits of these reforms, the prime minister noted that farmers and rural communities stand to gain the most from agriculture-led economic growth. The meeting also included a detailed briefing on various proposals to reform the sector, particularly in enhancing crop productivity, infrastructure development, and improving farmers’ access to affordable credit.
Officials shared that under the National Agriculture Innovation and Growth Action Plan, there is a dedicated focus on increasing farmer incomes through value addition and exports. It was also revealed that 100 agricultural startups have been launched through the National Technology Fund, Ignite, to foster innovation in the sector.
The session was attended by relevant federal ministers, coordinators, private-sector stakeholders, and senior officials.
