Affordable Inputs for Farmers Are Top Priority: PM

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday, October 13, that providing farmers with affordable fertilizers, quality seeds, modern machinery and equipment, and technical expertise for efficient water use is the government’s top priority. He was chairing the first meeting of the National Agriculture and Food Security Council in Islamabad, where he also said wheat stocks are sufficient and that the wheat price will be set before the sowing season.

Agriculture and Fair Prices

The Prime Minister said agriculture is the backbone of the economy and can put Pakistan on the path to economic growth in a short period. He stressed that fair prices for crops, especially for small and medium-sized farmers, are a top priority, and that the federal government will extend all possible cooperation to the provinces.

Wheat Supply and Pricing

• Sufficient wheat stocks are available to meet the country’s requirements.

• No leniency will be shown to those involved in hoarding wheat.

• The wheat price should be fixed before sowing begins so that farmers get a fair return.

• The government aims to ensure fair prices for farmers while keeping wheat affordable for consumers.

• The price will be decided in consultation with the provinces and announced soon after the consultations conclude.

Livestock and Halal Meat Exports

He said the livestock sector holds significant potential to increase exports, and the government is taking steps to boost Pakistan’s halal meat exports.

Provincial Initiatives

The Prime Minister appreciated the Punjab Chief Minister’s initiatives for farmers’ welfare, including aquaculture, shrimp farming and direct subsidies through the Kisan Card. He also commended the Sindh Chief Minister’s efforts to promote farmers’ welfare and provide them with the necessary facilities. The Punjab Chief Minister and the Sindh Minister for Food briefed the meeting on their provincial measures, and the meeting was also briefed on initiatives to promote agriculture in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.