The proposed federal budget shows a sharp shortfall in allocations for food security and industry sectors, as officials recommended only Rs7.2 billion against a combined demand of Rs117 billion for key development projects.
According to budget documents, the Ministry of National Food Security is set to receive Rs3.2 billion, while the Ministry of Industries and Production is likely to get Rs4 billion, covering ongoing and limited new initiatives.
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Meanwhile, officials noted that most of the food security allocation will go toward ongoing projects, while only a small portion has been reserved for new initiatives, raising concerns about future agricultural development.
Furthermore, agriculture-related schemes such as olive cultivation, certified seed production, camel milk projects, and livestock disease monitoring will continue under restricted funding, limiting expansion and long-term productivity improvements.
In addition, the industries ministry allocation includes funds for industrial parks, special economic zones, SME facilitation centers, and engineering sector upgrades, but experts say the amounts remain far below sector requirements.
As a result, the wide gap between demand and allocation may slow food security improvements and industrial growth, potentially affecting agricultural output, exports, and broader economic stability in the coming fiscal year.