ISLAMABAD:
The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research met on Thursday under the chairmanship of Syed Tariq Hussain and discussed key issues related to the agriculture sector development in the country.
Syed Javed Ali Shah Jillani, MNA, convener of the sub-committee on the establishment of a research centre at Khairpur, presented the report and briefed the committee in detail on its proceedings. The committee acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of the sub-committee members and directed that the recommendations be forwarded to the Ministry of National Food Security and Research.
The committee also took up a point of order raised in the House on the ongoing potato crop crisis. Discussions focused on low market prices, rising production costs, export constraints, subsidy support and strategic measures needed to protect farmers, stabilise the market and safeguard the economic interests of potato growers.
Rao Muhammad Ajmal Khan, a special invitee, briefed the committee on the actual cost of potato production and marketing. He highlighted export-related challenges, including transport bottlenecks, storage limitations, visa issues, problems with phytosanitary certificates and delays at various stages. The DPP informed the committee that overall potato exports had improved compared to the previous year, attributing the increase partly to higher production due to favourable weather conditions.
The Ministry of Commerce said export-related issues raised by the Punjab government had been taken up with the relevant authorities. Given the urgency of the matter, the committee directed the MNFSR to convene a joint meeting with the ministries of commerce and foreign affairs, the Punjab agriculture department, National Logistics Cell, Potato Growers Society and other stakeholders. The ministry was asked to submit a report to the committee by February 2, 2026.
Taking note of the gravity of the situation, the committee recommended writing to the prime minister to seek a meeting to apprise him of the potato crisis and propose solutions, including direct procurement from farmers at fair prices. The committee also discussed future deregulation of the sugarcane industry.
