Rural Economy Key to Pakistan’s Food Security, Says FPCCI’s Shahid Imran

LAHORE, Aug. 2 (Special Correspondent): Convener of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Regional Committee on Food, Shahid Imran, on Sunday said Pakistan’s food security depends on the strength of its rural economy, stressing that neglecting rural communities would have serious consequences for the country’s agricultural sector and overall economic stability.

Speaking to a delegation of farmers in Lahore, he said the government must ensure improved infrastructure and essential facilities in rural areas to achieve food self-sufficiency and strengthen the agricultural economy. He emphasized the need to empower farmers by expanding access to modern farming technologies, certified seeds, affordable agricultural inputs, efficient irrigation systems and better market linkages.

Shahid Imran said rural communities form the backbone of Pakistan’s food supply chain, but inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance, post-harvest losses and weak marketing systems continue to undermine agricultural productivity and farmers’ incomes.

He urged the government to adopt long-term, farmer-friendly agricultural policies aimed at increasing domestic food production and reducing dependence on imported food. He also called for greater investment in rural roads, storage facilities, cold-chain infrastructure, agricultural research, education and healthcare.

He said a strong and prosperous rural economy would not only improve the living standards of rural communities but also contribute significantly to economic growth, job creation, food security and a more self-reliant Pakistan.