Lahore: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the necessity of extending comprehensive support to small and medium-scale farmers to boost per-acre productivity. He made these remarks while chairing a meeting in Lahore to evaluate agricultural reforms and the implementation of government strategies aimed at the sector's development.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister underlined the importance of certified companies ensuring the supply of quality seeds to farmers. He instructed the development of a robust national system for estimating crop production, which should involve consultation with all stakeholders. The Prime Minister also called for the increased activation of agricultural research institutions to advance the country's agriculture sector and align research activities with international standards.

Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the importance of utilizing the expertise of students who returned last year after receiving agricultural training in China. He stressed that merit and transparency should be the top priorities in selecting students for the agricultural training program in China this year.

The meeting also included briefings on initiatives to promote organic agriculture and the integration of artificial intelligence for crop monitoring and pest and plant identification.