PM Kakar directs ministry to take advantage of CPEC second phase to boost agri production

Islamabad: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar has directed the Ministry of Planning Development & Special Initiatives to take advantage of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)’s second phase to boost the agriculture production.

The government officials said that the ministry had started work on the PM’s directives as agriculture is one of the top priorities in the second phase of the CPEC.

“The PM has asked the ministry to ensure results by benefiting from the Chinese help and technology,” said a government official.

A second official said the PM wants to multiply production of all crops and was convinced of the Chinese expertise. “The PM is very much impressed by China after his recent visit,” he added.

In this regard, on Sunday, the Ministry of Planning Development & Special Initiatives intensified its efforts to implement projects focused on the agriculture sector. Recognizing the significance of agriculture, which already holds a prominent place on the Special Investment Facilitation Council’s (SIFC) agenda, the Ministry has allocated substantial funds under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for various agriculture-related projects during the current fiscal year.

Pakistan, being a semi-industrialized economy, boasts a well-integrated agricultural sector contributing 22.9% to the GDP and generating 37.4% of employment. This sector ensures food security and provides raw materials for industry.

Given these attributes, the Planning Ministry has urged relevant ministries to expedite project implementations, especially as agriculture has become a top priority, thanks to the SIFC’s focus on it.

Established earlier in the year, the SIFC aims to attract foreign and local investments across five key areas, including Agriculture, Defense Production, Mining/Minerals, Information Technology and Telecommunication, and Energy.

The array of projects under consideration covers a wide spectrum, such as Cage Culture Cluster Development, Commercialization of Potato Tissue Culture Technology, Establishment of consumer-sourcing seed authenticity system, Strengthening of Labs of FSC&RD, Establishment of Plant Breeders Rights Registry, Establishment of Seed Certification Services in Southern Balochistan, National Oilseed Enhancement Program, and National Peste Des Petits Ruminants (PPR) Eradication Programme.

Moreover, projects related to enhancing command areas in Barani Areas, improving watercourses in Pakistan, promoting shrimp farming, and enhancing productivity in various crops are on the agenda. Additionally, initiatives for the promotion of high-value agriculture, agricultural training, and research are in progress.

The “Prime Minister’s Initiatives for Green Revolution 2.0,” worth Pakistani Rs 5000 million, is a significant project aimed at overcoming agricultural productivity constraints.

It focuses on technology adoption to reduce post-harvest losses, value addition for grains, fruits, and vegetables, and engaging women and youth in agribusiness. This initiative follows in the footsteps of the Green Revolution that played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s economy during the 1960s.

Recognizing the potential for food product exports, the government is implementing a “Horticulture Support Program” worth Rs 1000 million to address constraints in horticultural crops. This initiative aims to reduce losses in selected fruits and vegetables, strengthen horticultural value chains, and integrate value-adding technologies through public-private partnerships.

Another important project, the “Prime Minister’s National Program for Solarization of Agricultural Tubewells in Pakistan,” worth Rs 377,017 million, aims to convert 100,000 tube wells to solar power, contributing to sustainable agriculture.

The government has also set up a Land Information and Management System, Center of Excellence (LIMS-CoE), to enhance modern agro-farming practices by utilizing previously uncultivated state land.

This system will facilitate optimal decision-making, modern farming practices, and effective use of technology to boost agricultural yield and minimize the role of intermediaries in the marketing process.