On July 19, 2025, Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal called for urgent reforms to revitalize Pakistan’s agricultural sector during a visit to a cotton research farm on Defence Road, Lahore. Highlighting the shortcomings in implementing the 18th Constitutional Amendment, which devolved agriculture to provincial control in 2010, Iqbal expressed concern over the lack of progress in this vital sector. He was accompanied by agricultural expert Engineer Javed Saleem Qureshi, who is credited with the development of a new climate-resilient cotton seed variety. The minister called for a unified, long-term strategy to boost agricultural productivity and achieve self-sufficiency in key crops like cotton, canola, and rice.

The 18th Amendment transferred significant authority and resources to the provinces, making agriculture a provincial subject. However, Iqbal noted that the provinces have failed to prioritize the sector effectively. “Unfortunately, they failed to deliver tangible progress,” he told the media, pointing out that neither per-acre yields nor the development of high-quality seeds have seen significant improvements.

He attributed this partly to the inadequate role of research institutions, which have not kept pace with global advancements. “Due to lack of focus and commitment at the provincial level, we could neither improve per-acre yield nor introduce high-quality seeds for key crops,” he stated.

On the matter of the climate-resilient cotton seed variety developed by Engineer Qureshi after 25 years of research, Iqbal described it as “nothing short of an agricultural revolution” and pledged full government support for private-sector innovators like Qureshi. “We will provide all possible cooperation to ensure their success,” he affirmed.

This new seed, designed to withstand temperatures up to 50°C, addresses the challenges posed by climate change, a growing concern for Pakistan’s agriculture. Successfully tested in Lahore, the seed promises to revolutionize cotton production, potentially increasing yields from the current national average of 15 maunds per acre to an impressive 40–50 maunds per acre.

The minister emphasized the need for a forward-thinking, decade-long agricultural strategy to enhance productivity and reduce Pakistan’s reliance on imported crops. “Pakistan must achieve self-sufficiency in agriculture. We cannot afford to rely on imports for essential crops any longer,” he said, highlighting the economic toll of importing commodities like edible oils. He specifically noted the potential of canola, stating that boosting domestic production could save billions in foreign exchange annually.

Iqbal also addressed the recent heavy rains that have impacted agricultural regions, announcing the formation of a federal-provincial committee to assess damages. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is actively collecting data to inform response strategies, ensuring a coordinated approach to mitigate losses and support affected farmers.

Pakistan’s agricultural sector faces multiple challenges, including climate change, water scarcity, and outdated farming practices. Cotton, once a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economy, has seen declining production due to low yields and pest issues, with the country producing only 5.7 million bales in 2024–25, far below the target of 9 million, according to the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association. Innovations like Qureshi’s climate-resilient seed could help reverse this trend, aligning with broader government initiatives.

Iqbal concluded by stressing that agriculture must become the cornerstone of Pakistan’s economic self-reliance. “Competing with the world requires us to function as a united and forward-thinking nation,” he said, urging all stakeholders to prioritize long-term planning and innovation.