Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain says the federal government is committed to working closely with provincial governments to resolve farmers' concerns and strengthen Pakistan's agriculture and livestock sectors.

He was chairing a meeting of relevant provincial officials in Islamabad today to review key agricultural and livestock issues.

The meeting focused on strengthening coordination between the federal and provincial governments to address challenges confronting farmers and livestock owners.

During the meeting, the federal and Punjab governments agreed to establish an FMD-free zone along the motorway corridor in Punjab to control and eradicate Foot-and-Mouth Disease from the province and pave the way for an FMD-free Pakistan.

The initiative will focus on strengthening disease control, vaccination, movement management and surveillance mechanisms along major livestock movement routes.

The meeting was informed that a disease surveillance system is being developed to continuously monitor the prevalence and spread of livestock diseases.

Discussing fertilizer availability, particularly DAP, the participants reviewed the measures being taken and emphasized close coordination among relevant departments to maintain a smooth supply, address any shortages and ensure timely availability of fertilizer to farmers.

The meeting also discussed the potato sector, with particular focus on production planning, market access and exports. It discussed expanding export destinations to help create sustainable demand for Pakistani potatoes.