Prime Minister identifies agriculture and livestock as key to economic revival.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday described agriculture and livestock as the quickest path to Pakistan's economic recovery, saying the country's economy could see significant improvement within a year through greater adoption of modern technology, research, and value added production.

 

Speaking at the national seminar titled "Harnessing Pakistan's Livestock Potential," the prime minister said Pakistan possesses fertile land, abundant water resources, and a large farming community, but has yet to fully capitalize on these strengths due to slow modernization.

 

He said the country's greatest opportunity lies in agriculture and livestock, adding that focused efforts in these sectors could significantly boost economic growth in a short period.

 

To support the livestock industry, the prime minister announced that the federal government would fully finance the development of a locally produced foot-and-mouth disease vaccine, stressing that effective disease control is essential for expanding Pakistan's livestock exports.

 

Shehbaz Sharif noted that agriculture and livestock remain major contributors to the national economy and provide livelihoods to millions of Pakistanis. However, he said outdated farming practices, insufficient research, and limited use of modern technology have constrained the sector's growth.

 

Highlighting Pakistan's position as the world's fourth largest milk producer, he said the country has not fully benefited from processing and value addition. He also pointed to the global meat industry, saying Pakistan has substantial untapped export potential.

 

The prime minister said Pakistan is working closely with China to modernize the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), with cooperation expected to enhance agricultural research, technical expertise, and advanced farming techniques.

 

He added that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and information technology could transform agriculture and livestock, calling for stronger collaboration between federal and provincial governments to unlock the sector's potential.

 

Shehbaz Sharif also announced that 1,000 agriculture graduates from all four provinces, Gilgit Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) will be sent to China this year for specialized training at government expense, expanding on a similar programme launched last year.

 

During the event, the prime minister inaugurated the Pakistan Animal Identification and Traceability System, a nationwide initiative designed to improve livestock productivity through genetic improvement, disease monitoring, and stronger coordination among farmers, researchers, and public institutions.

 

He concluded that agriculture and livestock should be viewed not only as traditional sectors but as key drivers of economic growth capable of strengthening Pakistan's exports and supporting long term economic development.