Senate Body reviews the ‘National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority Ordinance, 2025’
ISLAMABAD ( WEB NEWS )
The Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research met on Thursday under the chairmanship of Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan.
The meeting was attended by Senators Poonjo Bheel, Abdul Karim, and Danesh Kumar. Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, also participated in the proceedings.
The Committee convened to review and deliberate upon the “National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority Ordinance, 2025.” The Federal Minister informed the Committee that the proposed Authority would be responsible for overseeing all matters pertaining to the import and export of agricultural commodities. He further stated that the Authority would ensure that all export commodities comply with international quality standards.
The Chairman Committee appreciated the Ministry’s initiative to establish such an Authority, recognizing it as a valuable step towards enhancing Pakistan’s agricultural exports and ensuring global competitiveness.
During the meeting, the Committee was briefed on the background, structure, and key stakeholders of the proposed Authority. Addressing a query regarding the appointment of senior officials, it was informed that a Director General (BPS-22) possessing relevant academic qualifications and experience would head the Authority. The Federal Minister further clarified that, owing to allegations against certain former officers, none of them would be considered for inclusion in the new body.
The Chairman Committee sought an update on the implementation status of recommendations made during previous Committee meetings and expressed concern over the non-compliance of earlier directives. He directed the Ministry to present a comprehensive record and progress report in the next meeting.
Senator Danesh Kumar highlighted the issue of substandard betel nut imports, valued at approximately Rs. 3 billion annually, and pointed out the failure of testing laboratories to ensure quality control. He noted that importers have claimed that no laboratory in Pakistan can challenge the quality of their consignments. Responding to this, the Minister informed the Committee that significant efforts are being made to curb such malpractices and directed that HEV tests of betel nuts be conducted in certified laboratories.
The Committee was also informed that Pakistan currently possesses 19 locust control aircraft, of which only four are operational. It was further apprised that 15 non-operational aircraft were offered for auction; however, the bids received were unsatisfactory, and no department has agreed to take over the dysfunctional aircrafts. The Minister suggested adopting drone technology as a cost-effective and efficient alternative to aircraft for locust control.
Chairman Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan endorsed the proposal and recommended the adoption of modern and affordable technologies to enhance productivity and operational efficiency in the agriculture sector.