Islamabad: The federal government has announced immediate relief and long-term strategies for farmers affected by recent floods, alongside measures to promote climate-resilient agriculture across Pakistan.
The announcement came during the first meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Agriculture and Climate/Flood Emergencies, held on Monday under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal.
Addressing the meeting, Iqbal emphasized that providing short-term, medium-term, and long-term support to farmers remains the government’s top priority. He urged provincial governments, in coordination with the federal authorities, to ensure timely compensation and assistance for affected farmers ahead of the upcoming Rabi season.
Highlighting the urgency of immediate action, the Minister stressed the need to supply canola seeds within the next 15 days to take advantage of residual soil moisture left by the floods. He announced a 5,000-acre canola seed pilot project in Narowal through corporate sponsorship to expedite crop planting and minimize losses.
Iqbal also encouraged diversification toward high-value crops such as canola, which promise higher returns and increased market demand. He underscored the importance of extending interest-free loan schemes to farmers through financial institutions and gradually introducing private insurance mechanisms to protect against recurring climate-related shocks.
The Cabinet Committee directed the establishment of three dedicated taskforces, in consultation with federal ministries and provincial governments, to prepare detailed reports within 15 days on:
Immediate agricultural relief and provision of seeds.
Climate change impacts and resilience strategies.
Strengthening infrastructure to make it climate-resilient.
These reports will be submitted to the Prime Minister for final consideration.
“Climate change is no longer a one-time phenomenon. Floods, droughts, and other climate shocks are becoming a permanent feature of our environment. We must build a long-term policy framework to ensure food security, resilience, and sustainable growth in agriculture,” Iqbal said.
Member Infrastructure Waqas Anwar briefed the Committee, noting that it has been established to design an agricultural support package in collaboration with provincial governments. The package aims to provide immediate relief to farmers, ensure fair returns, and develop strategies for resilient and sustainable agriculture.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Climate Change Musaddiq Malik, Federal Minister for Power Awais Leghari, Federal Minister for Housing & Works Mian Riaz Hussain, provincial agriculture and finance ministers, and senior officials from the Planning Commission, Climate Change Division, Water Management, and other relevant departments.
Samra Zulfiqar, a real estate analyst at Zameen.com, is passionate about finding projects that offer buyers the best returns. Her keen insights spotlight the market’s most promising opportunities.
