Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif chaired a critical meeting to address the future of the Pakistan Agriculture Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) and the Ministry of National Food Security and Research. The prime minister’s directive to develop a comprehensive action plan for the privatisation of PASSCO marks a significant shift in Pakistan’s approach to agricultural management and storage services.
Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the importance of creating an action plan for the privatisation of PASSCO. This move is aimed at improving efficiency, reducing government expenditure, and attracting private sector investment. The privatisation of PASSCO is expected to bring about a more competitive and innovative approach to agricultural storage and services, which could benefit farmers and the agriculture sector as a whole.
PASSCO’s privatisation, Prime Minister Sharif approved the restructuring of the wheat board. He directed that farmers’ representatives be included in the board to ensure that their voices are heard and their needs are met. The inclusion of farmers is seen as a step towards making the board more responsive to the actual challenges faced by those directly involved in wheat production.
The prime minister also mandated the inclusion of representatives from the Land Information and Management System and the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO). This integration aims to leverage advanced technology and data management systems to enhance the efficiency and productivity of wheat production.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif stressed the need for effective measures to boost the production of wheat and other essential crops. He underscored the importance of adopting modern agricultural practices and utilizing technological advancements to increase yields. The government’s focus on enhancing agricultural productivity is crucial for ensuring food security and reducing dependency on imports.
Prime Minister Sharif also instructed the federal government to devise an alternative strategy for wheat procurement. He highlighted the necessity of consulting with provincial governments, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and other relevant institutions to develop a cohesive and effective plan. This strategy aims to streamline the wheat purchasing process, ensure fair prices for farmers, and maintain adequate stock levels.
The meeting included detailed briefings on the restructuring of the wheat board and the Terms of Reference (TORs) associated with increasing wheat and other crop production. The discussions covered various aspects of agricultural reforms within PASSCO, aiming to create a more efficient and farmer-friendly organization.
The meeting saw the participation of several key federal ministers and senior government officials, including: Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Atta Tarar State Minister for Finance and Revenue Ali Pervez Malik Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Jahanzeb Khan Prime Minister’s Coordinator Rana Ehsan Afzal
