Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed Pakistan’s overseas missions to help expand agricultural exports and find new international markets.
He stressed stronger coordination between federal and provincial governments to improve farm productivity and modernise the agriculture sector.
The prime minister issued the directives while chairing a high-level meeting on agriculture and exports in Islamabad on Friday.
He called for coordinated measures to expand international access for Pakistani agricultural products and identify new markets.
PM Directs Missions to Promote Agricultural Exports
Shehbaz directed commercial officers at Pakistan’s missions abroad to play an active role in promoting agricultural exports.
He also ordered an effective media campaign to inform farmers about a mobile application for monitoring crops.
The prime minister highlighted value addition as another key measure for increasing agricultural exports.
He said agriculture remains important for Pakistan’s economic growth and stability.
During the meeting, officials presented several proposals focused on agricultural development and increasing export potential.
Pakistan’s Agricultural Exports Reach $5.18 Billion
Officials told the meeting that Pakistan’s agricultural exports reached $5.18 billion during the last financial year.
Rice, fisheries, halal meat, potatoes, sesame, tobacco, mangoes and maize were among the country’s major agricultural exports.
The meeting also proposed developing value chains to increase the value and competitiveness of agricultural products.
Meanwhile, officials identified several international markets with significant potential for Pakistani agricultural exports.
China, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Gulf countries were highlighted as important destinations for expanding agricultural trade.
The briefing also proposed making the National Agriculture and Food Security Council functional.
Chief ministers would represent their respective provinces on the council under the proposal.
Digital Farmers’ Diary Proposed for Agricultural Records
The meeting also considered a proposal to establish a Digital Farmers’ Diary-Agri Stack.
Under the proposed system, farmers across Pakistan would be digitally registered alongside agricultural land records.
The system would also include digital records related to soil and water testing.
Such records would provide a more organised framework for agricultural information under the proposed initiative.
Officials also proposed developing a Pakistan-Good Agriculture Practices system, known as Pak-GAP.
The system would promote agricultural practices aimed at producing better results.
Agriculture Financing to Support Exporters
The meeting also considered measures to strengthen financing facilities for agricultural exporters.
Officials proposed providing agricultural financing facilities to support exporters and encourage greater activity within the sector.
At the same time, the government is seeking to expand access to international markets through coordinated efforts.
The proposals therefore combine export promotion with digital record-keeping, improved farming practices and stronger financial support.
Government Pushes for Greater Agricultural Value
The prime minister’s directives place greater emphasis on improving agricultural productivity while expanding Pakistan’s export reach.
The focus on value addition could also help increase the export potential of existing agricultural products.
Moreover, stronger coordination between federal and provincial authorities could support implementation across different parts of the country.
The meeting brought together ministers and senior officials involved in agriculture, commerce, planning, finance, climate change and technology.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, National Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain and Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan attended the meeting.
Other participants included Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Climate Change Minister Musadik Masood Malik and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.
Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja and other federal ministers and senior officials also attended.
The government will now pursue the proposed measures aimed at strengthening agricultural production and expanding Pakistan’s presence in international markets.
For the latest updates, visit and follow The Truth International website (www.thetruthinternational.com) and subscribe to the YouTube Channel.
