Private Investment In Seeds, Supply Chains Can Boost Yields, Exports: Shahid Imran
LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Sep, 2026) Convener Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Regional Committee on Food, Shahid Imran, has stated that private investment in seeds and supply chains can significantly boost agricultural yields, exports, and strengthen rural economies.
Addressing a seminar on "Food Security" here on Sunday, he advocated for a policy shift focused on crop diversification, innovation, and increased private sector participation, especially in oilseeds and pulses where Pakistan heavily relies on imports.
Imran emphasized the need to align agricultural priorities with food security, crop diversification, and export competitiveness. He noted that despite agriculture employing approximately half of the country's workforce, rising food imports are straining Pakistan's limited foreign exchange reserves.
He suggested that Pakistan, blessed with vast arable land, diverse climates, and a large workforce, can achieve self-sufficiency in staple food crops by bringing its entire arable land under cultivation without compromising productivity, quality, or value addition according to international standards.
Imran highlighted the vulnerabilities posed by climate change, rapid population growth, and volatile global prices. He underscored the urgency of reforming agricultural policies to achieve higher yields across all major crops to meet domestic needs and address emerging food security challenges.
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