Federal Budget Initiatives for Agriculture and Livestock Sector Receive Mixed Reactions

Strategic Insights -

The federal budget for the fiscal year 2025?26 has allocated over Rs400 billion for the agriculture and livestock sector, with initiatives aimed at modernizing the sector and strengthening food security across Pakistan. The move is seen as a positive step towards supporting farmers and boosting production. However, industry experts and stakeholders have expressed disappointment over the lack of meaningful relief measures for the sector.

Key Takeaways:

  • The federal government has allocated over Rs400 billion for the agriculture and livestock sector in the fiscal year 2025?26.
  • The allocation includes Rs2.02 billion for the Ministry of National Food Security and Research under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).
  • The PSDP allocation includes Rs500 million for promoting olive cultivation, Rs485.8 million for expanding irrigation systems in rain-fed areas, and Rs100 million for the National Oilseed Production Programme.
  • Rs360 million has been earmarked for a national programme to control livestock diseases, while Rs300 million will be used to set up three feed certification laboratories.
  • The government is establishing the National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority to ensure the availability of quality, standardised, and climate-resilient seeds.
  • 300 graduates from Pakistan will be sent to China for specialised training in modern agricultural techniques.

Statistics:

  • Over Rs400 billion allocated for the agriculture and livestock sector in the fiscal year 2025?26.
  • Rs2.02 billion allocated for the Ministry of National Food Security and Research under the PSDP.
  • Rs500 million reserved for promoting olive cultivation under the PSDP.
  • Rs485.8 million allocated for expanding irrigation systems in rain-fed areas under the PSDP.
  • Rs100 million allocated for the National Oilseed Production Programme under the PSDP.
  • Rs360 million earmarked for a national programme to control livestock diseases.
  • Rs300 million allocated for setting up three feed certification laboratories.

Sources:

  • Federal finance minister Muhammad Aurangzeb's budget speech.
  • Topline Securities note on the federal budget.
  • Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) Chief Organiser Ahmad Jawad's statement.
  • Dawn (online) news article dated [no date provided in the original text].