- Improving agricultural productivity, value addition, and increasing agri exports are top priorities of govt: PM Shehbaz
- Emphasizes government should benefit from internationally renowned experts for effective use of AI, modern technology in agriculture
- Directs assistance for farmers in adopting climate-resistant seeds and modern farming methods to mitigate effects of climate change
- Premier appoints Qatari Princess Sheikha Asma Al Thani as brand ambassador for Pakistan’s Mountains and Tourism
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday asked the relevant authorities to present a comprehensive action plan to boost agricultural production and introduce agriculture reforms, directing that agricultural research centers be made more effective to enhance per-acre crop yield in the country.
“Improving agricultural productivity, value addition, and increasing exports of agricultural products are top priorities of the government,” the prime minister declared while chairing a review meeting on the performance of the agriculture sector and ongoing reforms.
He directed that a comprehensive short- and long-term action plan be presented for modern agricultural machinery, quality seeds, geographical planning of crops, and provision of easy loans to farmers.
He further directed that modern research be ensured through public-private partnerships in agricultural research centers.
The prime minister emphasized that the government should benefit from internationally renowned experts for the effective use of artificial intelligence and modern technology in agriculture.
He also instructed that an action plan be presented for the development of small and medium-sized agro-industries to enable the value addition of agricultural commodities and enhance export-ready products.
To promote cultivation of profitable crops and make Pakistan self-sufficient in food security, the prime minister directed that all necessary guidance and support be provided to farmers.
He stressed the importance of consultation with farmers and other stakeholders for policy recommendations.
The prime minister emphasized the need to strengthen coordination and cooperation with provincial governments for agricultural development.
To mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, he directed assistance for farmers in adopting climate-resistant seeds and modern farming methods.
Keeping in view changing rainfall patterns and other climatic shifts, the prime minister directed that after detailed consultation with provincial governments, especially in Sindh and Balochistan, a comprehensive plan for cotton cultivation in new suitable areas be prepared.
He also called for research and planning to incorporate biofuels into the country’s energy mix.
During the briefing, the meeting was told about the production of major Rabi and Kharif crops from the previous year, challenges faced by farmers, the proposed future roadmap, and suggestions for improvements.
The meeting was also briefed about the progress on the implementation of government reforms, and the impact of climate change on agriculture.
The prime minister directed that a comprehensive action plan for further agricultural reforms be presented soon.
Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, agricultural experts, and senior relevant officials attended the meeting.
Brand Ambassador for Pakistan’s Mountains and Tourism
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appointed on Tuesday Qatari Princess Sheikha Asma Al Thani as the brand ambassador for Pakistan’s Mountains and Tourism. The announcement follows her achievement of scaling Nanga Parbat, one of the highest and most challenging peaks in the world.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took to X to congratulate the princess and laud her feat.
🇵🇰 Majestic mountain ⛰️ calling!
I am pleased to appoint Her Highness Sheikha Asma Al Thani as the Brand Ambassador for Pakistan’s Mountains and Tourism.
My heartfelt felicitations to Her Highness on her recent feat of scaling Nanga Parbat. It is truly inspiring!
Her…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) July 8, 2025
Earlier, Sheikha Asma posted on Instagram, “My ninth 8000er and one of the toughest climbs I’ve faced. This mountain tested me in ways I didn’t expect, from black ice beneath my feet to rockfall every few seconds.”
Sheikha Asma is the first Qatari woman to summit Mount Everest, Lhotse, Manaslu, and K2, as well as the first Qatari woman to climb Ama Dablam.
She is also the first Qatari person to ski to the North Pole.
On her ascent of Manaslu, she became the first Arab person to summit an eight-thousander without supplemental oxygen. She achieved another milestone in May 2024 by climbing Lhotse for the second time, also without supplemental oxygen, making her the first Arab to climb two 8000ers without using oxygen.
