Planning Minister Calls for Agriculture Sector Overhaul

LAHORE: Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, has highlighted the pressing need to rejuvenate Pakistan’s agriculture sector. He noted that the delegation of authority outlined in the 18th Constitutional Amendment has not been fully realized, particularly in agriculture.

During a visit to a cotton research facility on Defence Road, Lahore, the minister communicated with the media on Sunday, emphasizing that despite the 18th Amendment transferring power and resources to provinces, agriculture has not garnered sufficient attention.

“Following the 18th Amendment, agriculture became a provincial matter, requiring provinces to elevate the sector. Regrettably, significant progress has not been achieved,” he stated.

He was accompanied by agricultural expert Engineer Javed Saleem Qureshi, who has cultivated a novel cotton seed variety following 25 years of detailed research.

Professor Ahsan Iqbal observed, “Due to inadequate focus at the provincial level, enhancing per-acre yield and introducing superior seeds for vital crops have been lacking. Additionally, our research institutions have not played a proactive role.”

The minister underscored the necessity of strategic planning to amplify agricultural productivity, especially for important crops such as cotton, canola, and rice.

“We should strategize for the coming decade with defined objectives. Time is running out, and without decisive action, we risk falling behind. Global competition requires unity and foresight.”

He expressed concern regarding the absence of extensive national planning for the upcoming 10 to 20 years.

“Pakistan needs to attain self-reliance in agriculture. Dependence on imports for essential crops is no longer viable,” he added.

During the visit, Ahsan Iqbal commended Engineer Javed Saleem Qureshi’s innovative work, which introduced a climate-resilient cotton seed capable of withstanding temperatures up to 50°C. This seed, successfully tested in Lahore while accounting for climate change effects, has the potential to elevate cotton yield from 15 maunds per acre to 40–50 maunds per acre.

“This marks an agricultural breakthrough,” the minister commented. “The government will fully back private sector experts who pioneer such advancements, providing comprehensive support to ensure their success.”

He also emphasized the considerable potential in crops like canola, stating that increased domestic canola oil production could save billions of dollars in foreign exchange currently used for imports.

Responding to a question about recent heavy rainfall, the minister indicated that the federal government has established a committee with representatives from the federation and all provinces to evaluate the damages. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is presently collecting data to ascertain the extent of the impact and devise future response plans.

Ahsan Iqbal affirmed the government’s commitment to fostering agricultural innovation and emphasized that agriculture must serve as the basis for Pakistan’s economic independence in the years ahead.