LAHORE: The newly established Agriculture Commission convened on Wednesday under the leadership of Punjab’s Minister of Agriculture, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani. The meeting focused on consulting stakeholders to develop a strategic plan for enhancing the province’s agricultural sector.
During the meeting, Agriculture Commission members shared their expert insights on advancing agricultural development and addressing farmers’ challenges. The gathering included Finance Minister Punjab Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, Provincial Assembly Members Rana Ayaz Saleem, Usama Khan Leghari, Rana Ijaz, Ishrat Ashraf, Secretary Agriculture Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, Secretary Livestock Muhammad Masood Anwar, Secretary Agriculture for South Punjab Saqib Ali Ateel, Vice Chancellor of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad Dr. Iqar Ahmad Khan, and other key figures.
Minister Kirmani emphasized that the Agriculture Commission’s reactivation aims to address farmers’ issues with high priority. Following the Punjab Chief Minister’s directives, the commission will emphasize modern agricultural research in collaboration with agricultural universities and research institutes.
Strengthening the agricultural value chain is a key focus, with plans to bring all stakeholders together to draft comprehensive recommendations. The government is also promoting agricultural mechanization, including green tractor schemes and the transition of tubewells to solar power to lower production costs.
The Punjab government is particularly focused on supporting small farmers, who make up 90% of the farming population. An internship program will employ 1,000 agricultural graduates in the agriculture department for one year.
Secretary of Agriculture Iftikhar Ali Sahoo highlighted that the Agriculture Commission is the primary official body for agriculture-related consultations in Punjab. Policy decisions will be made within this forum. He noted that the agriculture sector experienced a record 6.5% growth last year, contributing a 2.3% increase to the country’s GDP. The current government is committed to allocating substantial resources for agricultural development and forming various committees within the Agriculture Commission to address farmers’ concerns.
