LAHORE: Prime Minis­ter Shehbaz Sharif on Sat­urday directed the greater activation of agricultural research institutions to promote the development of the country’s agricultu­­re sector and bring resea­rch activities in line with international standards.

The prime minister chaired a meeting to review agricultural sector reforms and progress on government policy measures aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and supporting farmers.

He said providing all possible support to small and medium-scale farmers to increase per-acre productivity was among the government’s top priorities. He directed that certified companies ensure the provision of quality seeds to farmers.

He also ordered the preparation of a comprehensive national system for estimating crop production in consultation with all stakeholders. He stressed that small and medium-scale farmers should fully benefit from government reforms aimed at introducing innovation in agriculture.

The prime minister directed the authorities concerned to make full use of the experience of students who returned last year after receiving agricultural training in China. He further directed that merit and transparency be given the highest priority in selecting students for agricultural training in China this year.

The PM approved refo­rms at the National Agri­c­u­­ltural Research Centre (NARC) and directed their early completion. He also ordered that the NARC and the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council be made more effective and brought in line with international standards.

The meeting was brie­fed by the Ministry of Nat­ional Food Security and Re­­search on progress in implementing agricultu­ral sector reforms, as well as wheat demand, cultivated area and estimates for the production of the upcoming crop.

Published in Dawn, August 23rd, 2026