ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of National Food Security and Research has not yet finalised budgetary proposals under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for 2026-27, and the Senate Standing Committee at its meeting on Wednesday, expressed strong displeasure, and asked the ministry to finalise proposals at the earliest.

The Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research, headed by Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan, directed the ministry to submit working papers well in advance of meetings and deferred further deliberations, instructing the ministry to finalise the PSDP proposals before the next meeting.

The committee was briefed on the “Thar Community Actions for the Management of Sustainable Ecosystem, Livestock and Livelihood (Thar CAMELL)” project proposed for inclusion in the next PSDP.

Highlighting the delayed inclusion of the project, the committee noted its importance for gene conservation of indigenous livestock and the establishment of diagnostic laboratories in Tharparkar. The committee appreciated and endorsed the project.

The committee reviewed a project aimed at developing high-value camel milk powder to boost foreign exchange earnings and improve livelihoods in arid regions. Appreciating the initiative, the committee recommended expanding the project to other provinces, particularly Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where significant camel populations exist.

The committee was also apprised of the regularisation of the PSDP project titled “Strengthening/Upgradation of Agriculture and Livestock Research System of Arid Zone Research Institute in Umerkot”, along with initiatives for strengthening, upgradation, and accreditation of national laboratories in line with national and international standards. The committee endorsed these projects and emphasised the need to focus on conserving indigenous livestock breeds, including local goat and cattle varieties.

The committee reviewed the performance of the National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority and examined progress on various projects of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council.

Published in Dawn, February 12th, 2026