Punjab’s new budget sets aside ten billion rupees for agricultural research, marking the largest single‑year commitment to science‑based farming in the province’s history. Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja‑ur‑Rehman announced the figure during the budget session in Lahore, calling research “the surest way to raise yields and protect farmers from climate shocks
The dedicated fund will support:
- Modern laboratories for soil and water analysis.
- Breeding programs focused on high‑yield, heat‑tolerant wheat and rice.
- Field trials of precision‑farming tools such as sensor‑guided fertilizer spreaders.
- Graduate fellowships that pair young scientists with international partners.
Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo told reporters that the first grants will be released in August, with universities and public institutes invited to submit project proposals within thirty days. “We want practical research that reaches the farm gate in two to three seasons,” he said.
Analysts note that previous budgets concentrated on subsidies and equipment schemes. By investing in research, the government hopes to lower long‑term production costs and curb import bills for seed and fertilizer.
A 2024 study by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics found that every rupee directed to agricultural R and D returns nearly nine rupees in farm income within five years.
Local growers have welcomed the move but stress the need for clear outreach. “Research helps only when findings are shared in plain language,” said Muhammad Latif, a smallholder from Multan. “If the new labs can show us which fertilizer works best on our soil, that would save money straight away.
The Agriculture Department plans to publish annual scorecards measuring yield gains, water savings, and adoption rates. Officials say these metrics will guide future funding decisions and keep projects on schedule.
What research topic would benefit your farm community the most? Share your thoughts in the comments.
