According to the Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research, In a significant meeting of Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research, chaired by Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan, highlighted the emerging threat of climate change and its probable impact on food sector. Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan reiterated that climate change is posing real danger to food industry and the private sector is continuously echoing their concerns but the government has failed to devise a mechanism curbing the effects of climate change. He highlighted the consistent downward trend in the crops yield and suggested that yield bearing climate change effects and producing maximum could be the game changer for food industry.
The Chairman Committee questioned why neighboring countries are significantly ahead in crop production, while Pakistan has been experiencing agricultural deficits over the past decade. He emphasized the urgent need to improve seed quality to ensure at least self-sufficiency in food production.
The Secretary of National Food Security briefed in detail about the PSDP 2024-25, stating that the ministry has a total of 26 projects to execute, 11 of which are related to the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC). A total of Rs. 9.9 billion has been allocated for these projects, while the total project cost is estimated at Rs. 201 billion.The Secretary also mentioned that the ministry plans to shift the focus of upcoming projects towards IT and technological innovations. While discussing progress, he stated that the ministry is facilitating farmers in the solarization of tube wells to reduce electricity costs.However, he admitted that progress has not been up to the mark, and the implementation and completion of projects have been significantly slow. Despite these challenges, the ministry remains committed to achieving its targets by June 2025.
Additionally, the ministry reported that a model farm has been developed in Pind Dadan Khan and that there are plans to establish a seed hatchery to further enhance seed production.
While discussing the budgetary proposals for the financial year 2025-26, officials stated that the project’s streamlined for 2025-26 aimed to increase the productivity and attract investment from private sector in agricultural related sectors to boast exports and growth.
Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan also highlighted the concerns of private sector concerning the establishment of new authority for fruit and vegetable industry. Ministry stated that the new authority will be established accompanying digital technology to enhance the sector growth.
In attendance Senators Danesh Kumar,Poonjo Bheel,Abdul Wasay,Dost Muhammad Khan,Secretary for Ministry of National Food Security and Research Waseem Ajmal,MD PASSCO Sarfaraz Durrani,Chairman PARC Ghulam Muhammad Ali along with other senior officials of relevant Departments.
