Pakistan can easily save up to USD 10 billion annually on its food import bill by adopting farmer-friendly policies and offering lucrative incentives to boost agricultural productivity.
Convener Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Regional Committee on Food, Shahid Imran stated this while talking to a 30 member delegation jointly led by Usman Akhter Head of Murasaki Japanese Learning School and Principal Nouman Akhter here on Sunday.
He urged policymakers to prioritize agriculture as a backbone of the economy, arguing that a focused and sustained strategy could transform Pakistan into a self-sufficient and export-oriented agricultural economy. He said empowering farmers through subsidies, training, and market access would not only enhance local production but also stabilize food prices and ensure food security. He suggested that government should ensure timely availability of certified seeds, fertilizers, and water resources, along with easy access to agricultural financing. Introducing modern farming technologies, strengthening research institutions, and improving storage and supply chain systems can significantly reduce post-harvest losses.
On the occasion, Usman Akhter said, Pakistan is blessed with fertile land, favorable climate, and hardworking farmers, yet continues to rely heavily on imports due to lack of modern techniques, insufficient support prices, and limited access to quality inputs.