Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said agriculture sector is being developed on modern lines to achieve agricultural self-reliance.

He was chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Thursday to review process of reforms in the agriculture sector.

The Prime Minister said the government would harness the vast potential of the agriculture sector for rapid economic development.

Shehbaz Sharif directed to ensure provision of agricultural loans to farmers on easy terms. He also instructed to focus on agricultural research in order to enhance national growth.

The Prime Minister said Allah Almighty has blessed Pakistan with fertile land, competent agricultural experts, and hardworking farmers.

He directed the authorities concerned to formulate a sustainable and long-term policy for agro-industrial development to promote agriculture and forestry, as well as help combat climate change.

Shehbaz Sharif further instructed to formulate a coordinated strategy to develop the agriculture sector in consultation all relevant stakeholders. He said consultation with the provinces should also be ensured in this regard.

He directed the relevant departments to present a National Agri-Innovation Plan for the agricultural sector.

The Prime Minister instructed for accelerating the ongoing reforms in the agricultural seed certification system and developing an effective action plan to promote high-quality seeds.

Shehbaz Sharif said the promotion of modern technology in the agricultural sector is priority of the government.

He directed to formulate a comprehensive regulatory framework for the agriculture sector. Proposals were also presented in the meeting by the working group, constituted for agricultural reforms.

Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Climate Change Musadik Malik, besides other senior government officials attended the meeting.