AVN Report
ISLAMABAD: With the agriculture sector being top priority on the agenda of the Special Investment Facilitation Council’s (SIFC), the Ministry of Planning Development & Special Initiatives has intensified its efforts to fast-track the implementation of agricultural projects in the country.
In the ongoing fiscal year, the government has allocated billions of rupees funds for agriculture-related projects under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) meant to unlock the immense potential in the agricultural sector, as stated in a press release.
Pakistan’s agricultural sector is deeply ingrained in its semi-industrialised economy, contributing 22.9 percent to the GDP, generating 37.4pc of employment, ensuring food security, and providing raw materials for various industries. Recognising this, the planning ministry has urged pertinent ministries to expedite project execution to ensure timely completion. This development occurs as SIFC takes the lead role, with agriculture being one of its top priorities, alongside other crucial sectors.
Established earlier this year, SIFC focuses on attracting both foreign and domestic investments, with a focus on five key areas — agriculture, defense production, mining/minerals, information technology and telecommunication, and energy.
The list of projects includes a wide array of initiatives such as the cage culture cluster development project, commercialisation of potato tissue culture technology in Pakistan, establishment of a consumer-sourcing seed authenticity system, and strengthening of labs of FSC&RD.
Other projects involve the establishment of plant breeders’ rights registry, strengthening of DUS examination system, establishment of seed certification services in southern Balochistan, and various other endeavours targeting agricultural development nationwide.
The Prime Minister’s Initiatives for Green Revolution 2.0, valued at Rs 5,000 million, represents a significant endeavor aimed at addressing critical constraints to agricultural productivity. Emphasis is placed on technology adoption to minimize post-harvest losses, increase crop value, involve women and youth in agriculture, and support agricultural research.
Pakistan’s current limitations on exporting food products are primarily attributed to stringent international standards. To address this challenge, a “Horticulture Support Program” with a budget of Rs 1,000 million is set to be launched, focusing on reducing losses in selected fruits and vegetables and strengthening horticultural value chains through public-private partnerships.
Furthermore, the “Prime Minister’s National Programme for Solarization of Agricultural Tube-wells in Pakistan,” valued at Rs 377,017 million, aims to convert 100,000 tube wells to solar power over a three-year period, reducing reliance on diesel and electricity.
Moreover, the government has established a Land Information and Management System, Centre of Excellence (LIMS-CoE), covering over 9 million hectares of uncultivated state land. This initiative aims to modernize agro-farming practices, improve yields, and streamline the agricultural sector by leveraging cutting-edge technology and digital agriculture practices, ultimately benefiting local farmers and reducing the role of intermediaries in the marketing process.
