Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for a comprehensive strategy to be developed in collaboration with provinces for sustainable agricultural reforms. Chairing a meeting on agricultural reforms in Islamabad on Wednesday, he stressed the need to increase agricultural exports by implementing agricultural zoning and value chain strategies.

The premier stated that the implementation of agricultural reforms will commence by providing farmers with easy access to loans. A publicprivate partnership model will be adopted for agricultural financing. He also directed the introduction of reforms in Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) to guarantee transparent and streamlined loan disbursement to farmers.

Agricultural ventures will be prioritized in the upcoming Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), the Prime Minister added. Development initiatives will focus on mechanization, digitization, facilitating credit access for farmers, and establishing a businessfriendly climate. He observed that sustainable reforms in the agricultural sector will bolster the national economy.

Special emphasis will be given to reforms in the livestock industry in addition to crop production, Sharif said. These reforms will result in significant production increases and cost reductions. He further recommended introducing new proposals for shortterm and longterm strategies to enhance storage capacity for agricultural goods.

The agriculture sector can only progress in line with modern requirements if experts collaborate in shaping agricultural policies, he added. Agricultural technology should be introduced considering the needs of small landholders, Sharif noted, emphasizing that integrated use of digital platforms should be ensured to keep farmers informed about new agricultural knowledge.