Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed authorities to formulate a comprehensive five-year strategy aimed at reviving Pakistan’s struggling agricultural exports, calling for wide-ranging reforms and targeted training programmes to align farm output with international market requirements.

Chairing a meeting of a newly established working group comprising private sector experts, the prime minister stressed the need to bring the country’s agricultural production in line with global standards in order to boost exports. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing agricultural reforms at both the federal and provincial levels.

The prime minister said improving per-acre crop yields remained a core objective, to be achieved through better access to quality seeds, fertilisers and pesticides, along with greater awareness among farmers about international quality and certification standards.

“Reforming the agriculture sector and educating farmers to meet global demands is essential for the country’s economic growth,” the prime minister said, adding that the government’s focus would be on improving yields, streamlining processing and ensuring export compliance.

He also highlighted steps being taken to promote sustainable agricultural practices, including a recent initiative under which 1,000 Pakistani students are being sent to China for training in modern agricultural technologies.

Acknowledging Pakistan’s untapped agricultural potential, particularly in fisheries and horticulture, the prime minister said policy measures were being developed to streamline production processes and make these sectors more export-oriented.

In a separate directive, he asked authorities to explore options for establishing domestic palm oil production along the coastal belt, with the aim of reducing reliance on imports and strengthening the sector’s contribution to the economy.

The meeting, attended by federal ministers, senior officials and members of the working group, also reviewed the country’s overall agricultural performance. The group presented comparative data on major Rabi and Kharif crops, as well as livestock, dairy and horticulture sectors, outlining key challenges and proposed reforms.

A central element of the strategy is a short-term reform framework focused on boosting yields without additional resource input. Measures include improving seed quality, expanding extension services and enhancing farmers’ access to modern farming techniques.

The federal government also plans to introduce a certification system for processed agricultural commodities, aimed at improving market access for value-added products and increasing farm incomes. The roadmap further proposes revamping agricultural research institutions to support higher productivity and the introduction of climate-suitable, high-value crops.

Commending the working group’s briefing, the prime minister emphasised the need for a practical and actionable roadmap that could be integrated into the government’s broader agricultural reform agenda, noting that a well-executed plan would be critical for long-term sectoral growth.