By Azeem Ahmed Khan

The federal government has proposed a strong development portfolio for the National Food Security and Research Division under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2026-27, with a total allocation of Rs4.183 billion aimed at advancing agricultural productivity, strengthening food security and supporting livestock and research initiatives across the country.

According to the PSDP 2026-27 documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the National Food Security and Research Division has been allocated funds for nine ongoing schemes and one new scheme, reflecting the government’s continued commitment to modernizing agriculture and enhancing the sector’s contribution to the economy.

The nine ongoing projects have collectively received an allocation of Rs2.2 billion for the upcoming fiscal year. These initiatives cover a wide range of areas, including seed certification, oilseed development, olive cultivation, agricultural research, livestock health and professional capacity building.

Among the ongoing schemes, the National Program for Animal Disease Surveillance and Control, Traceability Compliance with National and International Standards has secured the largest allocation of Rs800 million. The project is expected to play a key role in improving animal health systems, strengthening disease monitoring and supporting compliance with international standards.

The Promotion of Olive Cultivation on Commercial Scale in Pakistan Phase-II (Revised) has been allocated Rs450 million, underscoring the growing importance of olive farming as a promising segment of the agriculture sector. The allocation is expected to support the expansion of commercial olive cultivation and encourage value addition within the industry.

The National Oilseed Enhancement Program has received Rs375 million for 2026-27. The initiative aims to boost domestic oilseed production and strengthen the country’s agricultural resource base.

Similarly, the National Program for Enhancing Command Area in Barani Areas of Pakistan has been allocated Rs100 million to support agricultural development in rain-fed regions. Another Rs150 million has been earmarked for the Pak-Korea Joint Program on Certified Seed Potato Production System, which seeks to improve seed quality and productivity.

The government has also allocated Rs100 million for the Establishment of Seed Certification Laboratory Khuzdar, while the Professional Capacity Building in Agriculture (TEVT National Reforms Program) will receive Rs100 million. The Project Planning and Development Unit of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research has been allocated Rs75 million.

Meanwhile, the Establishment of Agriculture Research Institute, Sheikhupura, has been provided Rs50 million, highlighting continued support for agricultural research and innovation.

In addition to the ongoing portfolio, PSDP 2026-27 includes a major new initiative titled the National Food Security and Productivity Enhancement Program. The proposed project has an estimated cost of Rs17 billion and has been allocated Rs1.983 billion for the upcoming fiscal year.

The inclusion of the new programme signals a renewed focus on enhancing agricultural productivity and strengthening food security through targeted interventions and long-term development planning.

Overall, the PSDP 2026-27 allocations for the National Food Security and Research Division reflect a positive outlook for Pakistan’s agriculture sector. With sustained investments in research, seed development, livestock health, olive cultivation and productivity enhancement, the development portfolio is expected to support modernization efforts and contribute to stronger food security outcomes in the years ahead.

Credit: INP-WealthPk