Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the initiation of comprehensive agricultural reforms in the country, beginning with the provision of easy loans to farmers under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on the development of the agriculture sector, the prime minister emphasized that sustainable agricultural reforms are critical to increasing productivity and reducing input costs. He directed concerned authorities to develop a coordinated national strategy in consultation with provincial governments, focusing on inclusive growth and rural development.
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As part of immediate measures, PM Shehbaz called for urgent reforms in Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) to ensure the transparent and effective disbursement of loans to farmers. He stressed that financial access for farmers must be simplified and tailored to their operational needs.
Highlighting the importance of modernizing agriculture, the prime minister instructed the use of agricultural zoning and value chain strategies to improve production efficiency and support the export of agricultural goods. He also called for the development and deployment of agri-tech solutions designed specifically for small landholdings, a segment he described as vital for sustainable rural development.
To ensure farmers are better informed, the prime minister urged the integration of digital platforms to provide timely access to agricultural knowledge, weather forecasts, market prices, and modern techniques.
The prime minister reiterated that agricultural development remains central to his government’s rural uplift agenda, stating that “true economic growth cannot be achieved without the prosperity of our farmers.”
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In a separate set of engagements, Prime Minister Shehbaz also met with political leaders and cabinet members to review constituency-level matters and broader national political and energy issues. Members of the National Assembly Muhammad Idrees and Sardar Ghulam Abbas called on the prime minister to discuss development priorities in their respective areas.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Leghari briefed the prime minister on ongoing projects and policy measures within the Power Division. The meeting reviewed energy sector challenges and progress on reform initiatives aimed at improving efficiency and service delivery.