PM calls for agricultural innovation to ensure food security
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernising Pakistan’s agriculture and food sectors through scientific research, technological innovation and improved support for farmers to strengthen national food security. In his message on World Food Day, observed on October 16 under the theme “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow,” the prime…
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reiterated the Pakistani government's dedication to advancing agriculture and food systems through scientific advancements, technological improvements, and farmer aid to bolster national food security. In a message for World Food Day, celebrated on October 16 with the theme "Innovate today.
Nourish tomorrow," the prime minister highlighted pressing challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, diminishing soil fertility, escalating production expenses, and disrupted food supply chains. He emphasized that innovation and modern technology were crucial in constructing resilient agricultural systems and satisfying the dietary requirements of current and future populations.
The prime minister underscored that the government was merging scientific research and technological progress with farmers' conventional wisdom and practical expertise to enhance agricultural output. He emphasized the creation of the National Agricultural and Food Security Council (NAFSC) to coordinate nationwide initiatives, encompassing research into superior seeds, agricultural mechanization, digital systems, efficient irrigation, and stronger connections between farmers and markets.
Additionally, he stressed the government's focus on providing low-interest loans to small-scale farmers through cooperation with private banks.
Highlighting that food security encompasses both the availability and nutritional value of food, the prime minister affirmed that the administration was enhancing storage facilities and expanding agricultural processing facilities to minimize losses, augment produce value, and boost export prospects. He asserted that leveraging Pakistan's agricultural assets, including crops, halal meat, and fisheries, could stimulate exports and lessen reliance on imports.
He appealed to provincial governments, farmers, researchers, the private sector, development partners, and civil society to collaborate towards a robust, inclusive, and sustainable food system.
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