Key Points
- Government targets higher agricultural productivity and export earnings
- Focus shifts from raw commodities to value-added farm products
- Trade reforms aim to cut costs and improve access to global markets
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for measures to boost agricultural productivity and strengthen Pakistan’s farm exports, reinforcing the shift from raw produce to a value-added exportable output.
Chairing a meeting, he said the government has been working to improve the competitiveness of Pakistani agricultural and food products through better technology, processing, certification and access to international markets.
Pakistan’s government has recently identified a shift from raw agricultural commodities towards processed, branded and internationally certified products as a priority.
Officials have said greater value addition, improved packaging, cold-chain infrastructure and internationally recognised certification are needed to expand the country’s agro-food exports.
The focus also extends to farm technology and productivity. The government has given in-principle approval for cultivation of genetically modified maize, with officials saying improved seeds could increase resistance to pests, diseases and weather-related stresses while supporting higher yields.
The agriculture push is being accompanied by broader trade reforms aimed at lowering the cost and time involved in exporting Pakistani products.
At a meeting of the Trade Facilitation Board on Thursday, Shehbaz directed authorities to eliminate unnecessary delays in trade procedures, reduce business costs and promote exports. He also called for a comprehensive review of non-tariff measures and removal of unnecessary barriers to trade.
The government has set targets to increase pre-arrival cargo clearance to 30 per cent and raise the share of the green customs channel to 65 per cent by the end of the current financial year. It also aims to increase the number of authorised economic operators to more than 50.
Pakistan eyes direct shipping
Shehbaz also called for direct shipping services to Pakistani ports, saying faster links with global buyers would help domestic producers compete internationally.
Authorities were directed to use artificial intelligence in customs risk management and limit detailed inspections to high-risk cargo.
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Agriculture remains central to Pakistan’s export diversification plans. The government is seeking greater opportunities for products including rice, meat, dairy, horticulture, dates, olives and processed foods.
A government-led strategic dialogue has also called for a coordinated roadmap to move agricultural exports towards higher-value products.
The government has separately expanded export financing for the 2026-27 fiscal year. It intends to increase the Export Finance Scheme envelope from Rs1 trillion to Rs1.5 trillion, with Rs300 billion earmarked for small and medium-sized exporters, agricultural businesses and new borrowers.
The measures form part of Pakistan’s efforts to make economic growth more export-led and increase the contribution of agriculture and agro-processing to foreign-exchange earnings.
