Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, addressed the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Saturday, stressing the importance of improving agricultural productivity through increased investment in agricultural research from both the public and private sectors. He assured the business community that the government would financially support those engaged in research to strengthen the agriculture sector.
The minister emphasized the fundamental role of better-quality seeds in agricultural progress and announced the introduction of a Track and Trace system for certified seeds. He also highlighted the growing national need to reduce imports of edible oil.
LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol, Vice President Khurram Lodhi, SAARC Chamber Vice President Mian Anjum Nisar, former LCCI President Muhammad Ali Mian, and other executive members were present at the event.
Rana Tanveer Hussain acknowledged food security as a global priority and noted that Pakistan’s economy, primarily agriculture-based, contributes 25% to the GDP, with the sector being the second largest exporter after textiles. He referenced previous achievements, including resolving the power and gas crises between 2013 and 2018, which helped stabilize the economy.
The minister informed the audience about the establishment of the National Seed Regulatory Authority to combat the sale of counterfeit seeds, and emphasized the introduction of a Track and Trace system to ensure certified seed availability. He also mentioned that banks had been directed to enhance agricultural financing and improve SME financing facilities.
In his speech, Rana Tanveer Hussain discussed efforts to control fertilizer shortages and prices while also addressing the high global demand for agri-based industries, especially halal meat and rice exports. Despite being a top producer of livestock and milk, Pakistan still imports 89% of its edible oil, a dependency he said needs to be reduced.
The minister underlined the need to accelerate industrialization, boost exports, and reduce unnecessary tax burdens. He mentioned the immense potential in IT, agriculture, and mining, noting that reducing production costs is key to improving exports.
LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol, in his address, highlighted the critical role of the Ministry of National Food Security in addressing food security challenges. He noted that crop yields in Pakistan remain lower than in neighboring countries, and production of key crops like wheat, rice, and cotton has declined. He called for urgent reforms in seed quality, food processing, and the halal food industry to strengthen the economy. Saigol also urged the government to compensate farmers for their losses, increase the wheat support price, and modernize the agricultural sector.
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