Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasised that agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and that providing high-quality seeds to farmers can trigger an agricultural revolution.
He highlighted that nearly 65% of Pakistan’s population resides in rural areas and contributes to national food production.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of an advanced aeroponics farming initiative at the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), the prime minister stated that the institution is making significant efforts for agricultural development.
He expressed gratitude to the Republic of Korea for its support in establishing a research facility for potato seed production, adding that Pakistan aims to strengthen partnerships with Korea across multiple sectors.
Boosting agricultural productivity
PM Shehbaz stressed that farmers work tirelessly and need access to high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and genuine pesticides at affordable prices.
He said if the federal and provincial governments collaborate to ensure this, there is no doubt that Pakistan can witness another agricultural boom.
He further noted that Pakistan’s farmers are highly skilled and hardworking, and with the right resources, they can significantly enhance productivity.
He pointed out that with Pakistan’s naturally fertile land and the provision of an enabling environment, the country’s agricultural sector could not only meet domestic demand but also generate surplus for export within a few years.
Reviving the cotton industry
The prime minister lamented the decline in Pakistan’s cotton production, recalling that the country once produced nearly 16 million cotton bales but now spends billions of dollars on cotton imports.
He stated that neighbouring countries have surpassed Pakistan in cotton production due to a lack of timely decisions and investment in the sector. He suggested that strategic risk-taking and proactive policies could have prevented this decline.
Similarly, he mentioned that sugarcane production has also lagged behind other countries, despite the dedication of Pakistani farmers and agricultural experts.
A vision for the future
PM Shehbaz reiterated that if Pakistan wants to progress, it must revolutionise its agricultural sector. He declared that with the right reforms, the country’s economy could flourish, and farmers would thrive.
Calling Sargodha “Pakistan’s California” for its agricultural potential, the prime minister urged stakeholders to focus on innovation instead of dwelling on past setbacks.
He also announced that 1,000 agricultural graduates would be sent to China on merit-based scholarships to gain advanced knowledge and support local farmers upon their return.
He further highlighted that Pakistan currently spends $4 billion on oil imports and emphasised the untapped potential in the livestock sector.
He assured that after Eid, experienced professionals and young agriculturalists would be engaged in discussions to reshape the country’s agricultural landscape.
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