Islamabad, October 15,2026: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s food security through agricultural innovation, modern technology, improved irrigation and support for farmers.
In his message on World Food Day, observed on October 16, the prime minister said food security faced growing challenges from environmental pressures and increasingly unpredictable climate patterns, stressing the need for innovation and climate resilience to ensure sustainable development and prosperity for future generations.
This year’s World Food Day theme, “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow,” highlights the importance of modern technology and innovation in transforming agriculture and meeting the nutritional needs of present and future generations.
The prime minister said challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, declining soil fertility, rising production costs and disruptions in food supply chains could be addressed through scientific research, innovation and the adoption of modern technologies.
He said the government was committed to modernising the agricultural and food sectors by combining scientific research and technological advancements with farmers’ traditional knowledge and practical experience to increase productivity.
Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the vital role of farmers, livestock breeders and agricultural workers in strengthening national food security, economic growth, rural employment and the livestock sector. He said their dedication continued to play a crucial role in meeting the country’s food requirements despite numerous challenges.
The prime minister said the federal government had established the National Agricultural and Food Security Council (NAFSC) to promote agricultural development through coordinated measures at the national level.
In collaboration with provincial governments and relevant institutions, the government is pursuing initiatives to improve seeds and production technologies, expand agricultural mechanisation, introduce digital systems, enhance irrigation efficiency and strengthen links between farmers and markets.
He said the government was also prioritising measures to ease financial constraints faced by smallholder farmers and improve their access to affordable agricultural credit, including through engagement with private banks to facilitate loans on accessible and preferential terms.
Emphasising that food security involved not only adequate supplies but also quality and nutritional value, the prime minister said ensuring access to safe, nutritious and wholesome food for every citizen remained a key government priority.
He added that the government was taking targeted measures to improve storage infrastructure in line with international standards and expand agricultural processing facilities to enhance the economic value and nutritional quality of produce.
These initiatives would help realise the potential of Pakistan’s agricultural resources, including crops, halal meat and fisheries, while improving access to international markets and boosting exports, he said.
The prime minister further observed that greater self-sufficiency in agricultural production could conserve valuable national resources otherwise spent on importing agricultural commodities. He stressed that preventing domestic production shortages was a prudent way to utilise national resources efficiently.
On World Food Day, Shehbaz Sharif called upon provincial governments, farmers, researchers, agricultural experts, the private sector, development partners and civil society to work together to empower farmers and growers and build a strong, inclusive and sustainable food system for Pakistan.
