Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says agricultural sector has immense potential to bring about a revolutionary change in Pakistan's economy and contribute significantly to its revival.

He was speaking at a meeting in Islamabad today with a delegation of stakeholders from the agricultural sector, held to seek their input ahead of the Federal Budget for the fiscal year 2026-27.

The Prime Minister said the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council is being modernized in collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences to accelerate agricultural research and innovation.

He directed the formation of a committee comprising experts and relevant stakeholders from across the country to advance the agenda of sustainable agricultural development and reforms.

He emphasized the need to ensure effective coordination between the federation and the provinces, as well as harmony in federal and provincial policies and regulations.

Shehbaz Sharif also called for special focus on increasing per-acre crop yields, promoting climate-resilient hybrid seeds, developing horticulture, enhancing agricultural mechanization, and encouraging value addition.

He directed the provinces, particularly Balochistan, to present comprehensive plans for enhancing cotton production and ordered the immediate issuance of a notification for the reconstituted Cotton Board.

The Prime Minister welcomed the proposals put forward by participants for the promotion of the dairy and livestock sectors and reaffirmed that the government would continue consultations and cooperation with all stakeholders to ensure sustainable agricultural growth, food security, and economic stability.

The delegation comprised representatives of farmers' organizations, the dairy and livestock sectors, value-added industries, seed-producing companies, as well as national and multinational institutions.

The participants appreciated the Prime Minister's efforts and leadership in promoting peace in the prevailing regional situation.

They also welcomed the recently introduced Seed Policy and agricultural reforms, describing them as a game changers for the country's agricultural sector.

During the meeting, the delegation was briefed on government initiatives aimed at the development of the agricultural sector and the welfare of farmers.

The briefing highlighted that, under the ‘Zarkhez-e Scheme’, small farmers are being provided loans of up to one million rupees by banks on easy terms and conditions.

It was also noted that the State Bank of Pakistan is providing risk coverage and crop-loss insurance facilities to farmers.

Participants were informed that drafts of the National Animal Health Act and the National Breeding Policy have been prepared to promote the dairy and livestock sectors.

Members of the delegation apprised the Prime Minister of issues facing the agricultural community and presented proposals for their resolution.

The delegation appreciated the government's measures for the development of the agricultural sector and expressed confidence in its economic and development policies.

The delegation included Arshad Iqbal, Zeeshan Baig, Mahmood Nawaz Shah, Imad Malik, Rana Naseem, Ahsan Mustafa Bajwa, Jahangir Tareen, Fahad Patel, Shahzad Amin, Khizar Alam Khan, Amna Asif Bajwa, Zahoor Hussain, Usman Zaheer, Ahmed Qadir, Afaq Tiwana, Shaukat Rasool, and Khalid Khokhar.