Islamabad: Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernizing Pakistan’s agricultural and food sectors through scientific innovation, digital technologies.
In a message marking World Food Day, observed annually on Oct. 16, Sharif said climate change, water scarcity, rising production costs and disruptions in food supply chains pose major challenges to food security.
This year's World Food Day theme, "Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow," highlights the importance of innovation and modern technology in transforming agriculture and meeting the nutritional needs of present and future generations, he said.
The government is working to integrate scientific research and technological advancements with farmers' local knowledge and practical experience to boost productivity and promote sustainable agricultural development, the prime minister said.
He said the federal government had established the National Agricultural and Food Security Council to coordinate national efforts to develop the agricultural sector. In collaboration with provincial governments and relevant institutions, the government is promoting improved seeds and production technologies, agricultural mechanization, digital systems and more efficient irrigation.
Sharif said the government was also prioritizing measures to ease financial constraints on smallholder farmers and improve their access to affordable credit, including through engagement with private banks.
He stressed that ensuring access to safe and nutritious food for every citizen remains a government priority.
The government is also working to strengthen storage infrastructure and expand agricultural processing facilities to improve the value of agricultural produce, he said.
Sharif called on provincial governments, farmers, researchers, agricultural experts, the private sector, development partners and civil society to work together to empower farmers and build a strong, inclusive and sustainable food system.
He added that greater self-sufficiency in agricultural production would also help conserve national resources by reducing reliance on imported agricultural commodities.
