Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, said on Saturday that improving agricultural productivity is critically important, and for this purpose, both the public and private sectors must invest in agricultural research. He assured that the government will financially support anyone engaged in research to strengthen the agriculture sector.
Addressing the business community at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), he emphasized that better-quality seeds are fundamental to agricultural progress and that a Track and Trace system for certified seeds is being introduced. He also highlighted that reducing edible oil imports has become a pressing national need.
On the occasion, LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol, Vice President Khurram Lodhi, SAARC Chamber Vice President Mian Anjum Nisar, former LCCI President Muhammad Ali Mian, and Executive Committee members were also present.
Rana Tanveer Hussain stated that he has always worked for the development of all sectors and had earlier served as Minister for Industries and Production by choice. He noted that food security has emerged as a global concern, being considered a top priority worldwide. He added that efforts are underway to bring the policy rate down to a single digit, while relief in electricity tariffs has already been extended to the industrial sector.
He said Pakistan’s economy is primarily agriculture-based, with the sector contributing 25 percent to the GDP and standing second to textiles in exports. The minister recalled that from 2013 to 2018, the government successfully resolved the severe power and gas crises. Electricity shortages were the biggest hurdle in industrial growth, but the introduction of RLNG helped end the gas crisis and improved economic indicators, saving Pakistan from default.
He informed that the National Seed Regulatory Authority has been established to curb the sale of counterfeit seeds, while a Track and Trace system is being introduced to ensure certified seed availability. Banks have been directed to enhance agricultural financing and promote better SME financing facilities.
Rana Tanveer Hussain further said that fertilizer shortages have been prevented and prices kept under control. He mentioned that agri-based industries face tremendous global demand, particularly for halal meat and rice exports. Despite being among the top nations in livestock and milk production, Pakistan still imports 89 percent of its edible oil – a dependency that must be reduced.
He underscored that the business community is a vital stakeholder and that accelerating industrialization and exports is indispensable. “We must raise exports to 100 billion dollars and leave behind a strong Pakistan for future generations. The unnecessary burden of taxes will be removed. Immense potential exists in IT, agriculture, and mining and minerals,” he remarked.
The minister emphasized that reducing the cost of production is essential to enhancing exports. He said the government is highly focused and working tirelessly to achieve these goals. The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) is performing excellently, and improving the Ease of Doing Business remains one of the government’s top priorities.
Earlier, in his address, LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol said that the Ministry of National Food Security is among the country’s most crucial ministries, as Pakistan continues to face serious food security challenges. He pointed out that the per-acre crop yield in Pakistan remains considerably lower than in neighboring countries, while wheat, rice, and cotton production has declined compared to the previous year.
He added that despite being an agricultural country, Pakistan is importing food items and fertilizers, which is highly alarming. “Our seed quality is not globally competitive and requires urgent reforms. Special focus should be placed on food processing and the halal food industry to strengthen the economy through value addition,” he stated.
He urged the government to take immediate measures to compensate farmers for their losses, increase the wheat support price, and develop the agricultural sector along modern and scientific lines.