PM Shehbaz orders plan to boost national crop output

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to prepare a comprehensive national plan for estimating crop production.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to prepare a comprehensive national plan for estimating crop production.

A meeting chaired by the prime minister reviewed reforms in the agricultural sector. Officials briefed the meeting on wheat demand, the area under cultivation and expected production of the upcoming crop.

Shehbaz Sharif said increasing per-acre productivity must remain a priority, with particular focus on supporting small and medium-sized farmers. He directed authorities to ensure the availability of quality seeds and make agricultural research institutions more effective.

The prime minister also stressed that small farmers should be enabled to benefit from modern agricultural technologies and innovations. He called for using the experience of students who received agricultural training in China to improve the country’s farming sector.

He further directed that merit should be given priority while selecting students for agricultural training programmes in China.

Shehbaz Sharif ordered the preparation of a comprehensive plan for national crop production estimates. He also directed that the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) and the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) be brought in line with international standards.

During the meeting, reforms at the National Agricultural Research Centre were approved. Participants were also briefed by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research on progress made in implementing agricultural reforms.