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LAHORE: Prime Minis­ter Shehbaz Sharif on Sat­urday directed the greater activation of agricultural research institutions to promote the development of the country’s agricultu­­re sector and bring resea­rch activities in line with international standards.

The prime minister chaired a meeting to review agricultural sector reforms and progress on government policy measures aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and supporting farmers.

He said providing all possible support to small and medium-scale farmers to increase per-acre productivity was among the government’s top priorities. He directed that certified companies ensure the provision of quality seeds to farmers.

He also ordered the preparation of a comprehensive national system for estimating crop production in consultation with all stakeholders. He stressed that small and medium-scale farmers should fully benefit from government reforms aimed at introducing innovation in agriculture.