Islamabad, January 6, 2026 — Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed the formulation of a comprehensive five-year strategy to enhance Pakistan’s agricultural exports. The announcement came during a high-level meeting with a Working Group of private sector experts tasked with aligning the country’s agriculture sector with international standards.
PM Shehbaz emphasized that reforming the agriculture sector and educating farmers on global best practices remain top government priorities. “The federal government, in coordination with provincial authorities, is implementing reforms to increase per-acre crop yields by providing quality seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides in a timely and affordable manner,” he said.
The prime minister highlighted the government’s policy-level initiatives to process agricultural products into export-ready commodities. As part of skill development, 1,000 Pakistani students were recently sent to China for training in modern agricultural technologies.
Recognizing Pakistan’s potential in agriculture, PM Shehbaz stressed investments in research to boost crop yields and enhance horticulture, fisheries, and livestock exports. He also instructed authorities to develop policies for palm oil production along the coastal belt.
The meeting featured presentations by the Working Group, chaired by Rana Naseem, providing a comparative overview of Rabi and Kharif crops, horticulture, fruit production, livestock, dairy, and other agriculture-related sectors. The group also outlined a short-term reform framework to improve per-acre yields using existing resources and to implement effective extension services educating farmers in modern farming practices.
Additionally, the federal government plans to introduce a certification regime for processed agricultural commodities, ensuring value addition and higher profits for farmers in global markets. Reforms in agricultural research institutions were also proposed to boost productivity and promote cultivation of new, profitable crops suited to Pakistan’s climate.
The prime minister appreciated the briefing and directed the authorities to prepare a practical and actionable roadmap for inclusion in the government’s agriculture reform strategy.