Islamabad, June 25, 2025: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reiterated the government’s resolve to revitalize Pakistan’s agriculture sector through sustainable reforms aimed at boosting productivity, reducing input costs, and improving rural livelihoods.
Describing agriculture as the backbone of the national economy, the prime minister said that structural reforms would not only drive economic growth but also enhance per-acre yields and lower production costs.
Chairing a high-level meeting on agricultural sector reforms, the prime minister directed authorities to gradually reduce taxes on agricultural machinery and tools to promote mechanization and modernization of farming practices across the country. He also called for expedited efforts to expand storage capacity for agricultural produce to minimize post-harvest losses.
Welcoming the allocation of funds by provincial governments for new agricultural projects, PM Shehbaz expressed confidence that these initiatives would accelerate growth in the sector. He also noted that agriculture students and scientists currently studying in China on scholarships would be instrumental in advancing innovation and entrepreneurship upon their return.
Importantly, the prime minister announced that no new taxes would be levied on fertilizers or agricultural pesticides in the upcoming fiscal year, underscoring the government’s intent to support farmers by keeping input costs affordable.
“The development of the agriculture sector is central to uplifting rural communities and improving farmers’ incomes,” he said, emphasizing that increased productivity, modern infrastructure, and access to affordable credit are key pillars of the reform strategy.
During the meeting, the prime minister was briefed on core recommendations to enhance output, improve infrastructure, and expand access to easy agri-loans. Officials also presented the National Agriculture Innovation and Growth Action Plan, which aims to raise farmers’ earnings, boost production, and provide strategic direction for reforms.
It was further highlighted that exporting value-added agricultural products could significantly increase income for farmers. Under the National Technology Fund’s “Ignite” initiative, 129 agriculture-related startups have been launched to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the sector.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for Climate Change Dr. Musadik Malik, PM’s Chief Coordinator Musharraf Zaidi, Chief Coordinator for Agriculture Sector Ahmad Umair, private sector entrepreneurs, and senior government officials.
