PM vows action against companies selling poor-quality seeds

ISLAMABAD (APP) - Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting on Monday to discuss food security and agriculture. He emphasized that agriculture is crucial for the country’s economy. During the meeting, Sharif pledged that the government would support the agriculture sector to boost production. He mentioned hiring young agricultural researchers to improve the industry. The Prime Minister called for immediate action against companies selling poor-quality seeds. He also urged a faster increase in edible oil production to reduce dependence on imports. Sharif asked for an acceleration of research at the Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC). He stressed the importance of farm mechanization and plans to train youth in creating value-added products from fruits and vegetables. Additionally, he mentioned the need for easy access to agricultural loans for young people. He expressed satisfaction with the digitalization strategy for the supply chain, which aims to enhance agricultural exports. The meeting reviewed plans to improve agricultural exports and announced the formation of a National Agri Trade and Food Safety Authority. A lab for testing agricultural products has been established at the University of Karachi to meet EU and international standards. Finally, the draft for national policies on seeds, agricultural biotechnology, and organic food is currently under consideration.