Pakistan’s Satellite Internet Framework Nears Cabinet Approval
August 23, 2026PM Shehbaz Sharif approved sweeping agri reforms, NARC master plan, tech/AI push, and farmer support measures to boost productivity and exports.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered sweeping reforms to modernise Pakistan’s agriculture, prioritising research, technology and smallholder support.
“Providing all possible support to small and medium scale farmers to increase per-acre productivity was among the government’s top priorities,” Sharif said while chairing a high level review meeting on Saturday. He directed certified companies to ensure quality seed supply and ordered a national system for crop production estimates in consultation with all stakeholders.
The government is accelerating the Agriculture Innovation and Growth Plan 2026-27, focusing on finance, machinery, digital tools, research capacity and food security. Key measures include Kisan Ghar refinance, crop insurance, electronic warehouse receipt financing, farm machinery loans and the PM’s National District Development Programme. Modern technology and artificial intelligence are now central to the push, with an AI-based app for pest and plant identification already in the pipeline.
Progress is underway on the Pakistan Tobacco Board Automation Project and a SUPARCO led crop assessment programme to improve yield forecasting. To boost exports and rural incomes, the meeting was briefed on plans to promote organic agriculture through pilot clusters in Balochistan for cotton and dates. Work is advancing on a national organic policy, group certification and a digital traceability system to meet international market requirements.
Sharif approved a new master plan for the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), ordering its early completion and alignment with global standards. The plan divides NARC into seven districts and envisages five centres of excellence, reference labs, a biorepository and a private sector research park. He also directed authorities to fully utilise the experience of students who returned from agricultural training in China last year.
This year’s selection for China-based training will prioritise merit and transparency to ensure maximum return on investment for the sector. Officials said the reforms aim to integrate research, certification, storage and processing to strengthen value chains and raise farmers’ incomes. Federal ministers, the PM’s agriculture coordinator and senior officials attended in person, while key economic and foreign policy leaders joined via video link.
