Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday pledged to modernise agriculture through science and technology to strengthen food security and boost productivity.

In a message marking World Food Day, observed annually on October 16, Mr Sharif said climate change, water scarcity, rising production costs and disruptions in food supply chains posed major threats to food security.

He said this year’s World Food Day theme, “Innovate today.” Nourish tomorrow,” underscored the importance of innovation and modern technology in transforming agriculture and meeting the nutritional needs of present and future generations.

Mr Sharif said the government was working to combine scientific research and technological advancements with farmers’ local knowledge and practical experience to increase productivity and promote sustainable agricultural development.

He said the federal government had established the National Agricultural and Food Security Council to coordinate national efforts to develop the agricultural sector.

The prime minister said that the government, in collaboration with provincial governments and relevant institutions, was promoting improved seeds and production technologies, agricultural mechanisation, digital systems and more efficient irrigation methods.

Mr Sharif said the government was also prioritising measures to ease financial constraints on smallholder farmers and improve their access to affordable credit, including through engagement with private banks.

He stressed that ensuring access to safe and nutritious food for every citizen remained a government priority.

The prime minister said the government was also working to strengthen storage infrastructure and expand agricultural processing facilities to increase the value of agricultural produce.

Mr Sharif urged provincial governments, farmers, researchers, agricultural experts, the private sector, development partners, and civil society to collaborate to empower farmers and build a strong, inclusive, and sustainable food system.

He added that greater self-sufficiency in agricultural production would help conserve national resources by reducing dependence on imported agricultural commodities. 

(Xinhua/NAN)