Facilities to be provided for setting up agro-processing units in Punjab: Punjab Agriculture Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani

Punjab Agriculture Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani has said that all possible facilities will be provided for the establishment of agro-processing units in the province.

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Apr, 2026) Punjab Agriculture Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani has said that all possible facilities will be provided for the establishment of agro-processing units in the province.

He said this while addressing an important consultative meeting held at a local hotel on Friday to discuss the modernization of the agricultural economy. The meeting was organized under the auspices of the Punjab government to gather practical recommendations for promoting the agro-processing industry and enhancing value addition of agricultural commodities in collaboration with the private sector.

The minister said that the promotion of agro-processing and value addition would not only significantly increase exports but also create vast employment opportunities. He emphasized that the development of the agricultural sector is among the top priorities of the current government. Under the Kisan Card Program, interest-free loans worth Rs 250 billion are benefiting 800,000 farmers.

Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani added that special financing programs would be introduced for small, medium, and large agro-processing units to encourage strong private sector investment.

Highlighting the importance of value addition, he noted that processing of mangoes can increase their value from $300 per ton to $3,500 per ton.

Citrus (kinnow) processing can enhance value fivefold, while potato processing can raise value from $150 per ton to $8,500 per ton.

He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to facilitating the private sector in the value addition of milk and meat.

Punjab Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo highlighted the critical importance of value addition and processing in the agricultural sector, stating that Punjab offers vast investment opportunities in the value addition of mangoes, kinnow, and potatoes.

He added that the government is taking serious measures to facilitate private sector investment in the value addition of agricultural commodities. He further emphasized that strengthening the value chain and promoting value addition are essential for increasing the demand for Pakistani agricultural products in international markets.

Participants at the meeting presented various actionable proposals to promote agro-processing, value addition, and export-oriented agriculture.

The meeting was attended by Livestock Secretary Ahmed Aziz Tarar, Bank of Punjab President Zafar Masud, Food Safety and Consumer Protection Secretary Dr. Kiran Khurshid, along with more than 100 stakeholders associated with the agriculture and livestock value chain.