On May 15, 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the development of a comprehensive regulatory framework to modernize Pakistan’s agriculture sector, aiming for self-reliance and sustainable growth. This initiative responds to a significant slowdown in agricultural growth, which declined to 1.10% in FY25 from 5.80% the previous year, primarily due to reduced production in key crops like cotton, rice, and maize.
The Prime Minister emphasized the need for a coordinated strategy involving provincial governments and stakeholders to promote agro-industrial development, enhance agricultural research, and improve seed certification systems. He also called for facilitating agricultural loans on easy terms and focusing on high-quality seed development to boost productivity.
This directive aligns with ongoing efforts such as the Pakistan Regulatory Modernization Initiative (PRMI), which has implemented over 170 reforms to improve the ease of doing business and attract foreign investment in the agriculture sector.
Additionally, the establishment of the National Agri-trade and Food Safety Authority (NAFSA) aims to regulate the quality and safety of agricultural products, ensuring compliance with international standards to facilitate competitive trade.
These measures reflect the government’s commitment to revitalizing agriculture through innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth, addressing challenges like climate change and food security.