The Cabinet Committee on Agriculture and Climate/Flood Emergencies held its first meeting today, chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal.
Constituted by the Prime Minister with Iqbal as convener, the committee directed the creation of three dedicated task forces in coordination with federal ministries and provincial governments. These task forces are tasked with submitting detailed reports within 15 days on: immediate agricultural relief and seed distribution, climate change impacts and resilience strategies, and strengthening climate-resilient infrastructure. The final reports will be presented to the Prime Minister for consideration.
Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that providing short-, medium-, and long-term support to farmers is a top priority. He urged provincial governments to act quickly in collaboration with the federal government to ensure affected farmers receive compensation and necessary support for the upcoming Rabi season. Iqbal stressed the urgent need to supply canola seeds within 15 days, taking advantage of residual soil moisture from recent floods, citing a 5,000-acre pilot project in Narowal sponsored by the private sector as an example of immediate action.
Iqbal highlighted the importance of crop diversification toward high-value crops such as canola, which offer higher returns and market demand. He also recommended extending interest-free loans to farmers and gradually introducing private insurance mechanisms to protect against recurring climate shocks.
Member Infrastructure Waqas Anwar noted that the committee will formulate both immediate and medium-term agricultural support packages, assess climate change impacts on key sectors, and work with provincial governments to build resilience in agriculture, livestock, agro-industries, and exports.
The meeting included Federal Ministers Musaddiq Malik, Awais Leghari, Mian Riaz Hussain, provincial agriculture and finance ministers, and senior officials from the Planning Commission, Climate Change Division, Water Management, and other relevant departments.
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