Karachi Web Desk, – The two-day Agricultural Connections 2025 Expo, organized by the Pakistan Agriculture Coalition, concluded at the Karachi Expo Center with a strong call for policy reforms to boost the country’s agricultural resilience. The closing ceremony saw Sindh’s Agriculture Minister, Sardar Muhammad Bux Khan Mahar, delivering a keynote address, raising concerns over food security if farmers are not given fair pricing for wheat, cotton, and sugarcane.
Agricultural Challenges & Policy Gaps
Minister Mahar expressed serious reservations about the hasty imposition of agricultural taxes under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreements. He argued that Pakistan’s federal government failed to properly brief the IMF on the complexities of agricultural policies, leading to decisions that could negatively impact farmers. “The IMF does not understand how agricultural policies are formulated. These abrupt tax implementations could threaten food security,” he warned.
He also highlighted that Sindh’s economy is heavily dependent on agriculture but is facing challenges due to global supply chain disruptions and climate change. “Around 40% of horticultural crops are lost due to post-harvest mismanagement, and over the past 15 years, major floods have cost Sindh billions of dollars,” he added.
Sindh’s Bold Agricultural Initiatives
To counter these threats, Sindh’s government has launched multiple initiatives to modernize the sector. Mahar highlighted:
- Sindh Water & Agriculture Transformation Project, aimed at optimizing water use and increasing crop yield.
- Benazir Hari Card, a direct financial aid program for farmers.
- Climate-Resilient Farming Programs, introduced to mitigate losses caused by changing weather patterns.
Sindh, he stated, has the potential to become the “food basket” for the region, especially in mango, chili, onion, and date production. He stressed the importance of connecting local farmers to global export markets and ensuring their produce meets international standards.
Private Sector & Investment Opportunities
In a significant appeal to investors, Mahar urged the private sector and financial institutions to invest in Sindh’s agricultural sector, tapping into its vast potential. “The world is revolutionizing its agricultural supply chains. Pakistan must act boldly to modernize its agriculture and make it more competitive,” he said.
Pakistan Agriculture Coalition’s Role
Kazim Saeed, CEO of the Pakistan Agriculture Coalition, underscored the expo’s impact, calling it one of the most influential agricultural events in Pakistan’s history. “This expo brought together policymakers, financial institutions, and key stakeholders committed to transforming Pakistan’s agricultural landscape,” he said.
With the support of the Pakistan Business Council, the event facilitated new agricultural business opportunities by connecting local farmers with domestic and international networks.
High-Profile Participation & Future Prospects
The expo saw participation from prominent figures, including Florence Rolle (UN Food Country Officer), Rehmat Hassani (President, National Bank of Pakistan), Muhammad Nawaz Shah (President, Sindh Abadgar Board), and leading agricultural experts from Punjab and Sindh.
The event concluded with renewed commitments to strengthen Pakistan’s agricultural sector, drive climate-smart farming solutions, and expand international market access for local farmers. With the right policies and investments, Pakistan’s agriculture sector can become a powerhouse for sustainable economic growth.
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