Punjab Accelerates Agricultural Market Reforms Under CM Maryam Nawaz’s Vision

By Muhammad Shahzad, Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: In line with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision of agricultural development, farmer-friendly policies, modern marketing systems and transparent governance, the Board of the Punjab Agricultural Marketing Regulatory Authority (PAMRA) has approved a series of key initiatives aimed at strengthening and modernising the province’s agricultural marketing framework.

The board meeting was chaired by Malik Saeed Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Board, and attended by Secretary Food Dr. Kiran Khursheed, Director General PAMRA Zeeshan Nasrullah Ranjha, board members and senior officials.

During the meeting, the board reviewed a wide range of proposals concerning institutional reforms, financial management, market infrastructure development and the modernisation of agricultural markets. It also approved PAMRA’s budget for the fiscal year 2026-27, enabling the accelerated implementation of regulatory, administrative and developmental initiatives across Punjab. Progress on decisions taken during the previous board meeting was also reviewed and formally ratified.

To enhance institutional capacity and strengthen regulatory oversight, the board approved a revised organisational structure for PAMRA. The restructuring includes the creation of an additional Director General position and nine divisional director posts aimed at improving field operations, monitoring mechanisms and regulatory enforcement throughout the province.

The board further ratified standard operating procedures and terms and conditions for outsourcing the collection of market entry fees, market fees and agribusiness market fees. Approval was also granted for opening a dedicated bank account to ensure greater transparency and efficiency in the execution of market infrastructure development projects.

The restoration project of the Shah Jewana Green Market was reviewed during the meeting, with the board directing authorities to proceed with the project after incorporating necessary amendments to the layout plan.

To facilitate market stakeholders, the board approved an extension in the instalment payment period for allottees of the Kacha Fruit and Vegetable Market and the Grain, Fruit and Vegetable Market Mian Channu. It also extended the validity period of reserve prices for plot auctions and allotments to encourage investment and commercial activity within agricultural markets.

In a move aimed at providing relief to traders, the board decided to revise market fees on spices and dry fruits. It also discussed a proposal to increase the authority allowance for PAMRA employees from 50 percent to 100 percent of basic pay, a measure intended to enhance organisational performance and strengthen human resource capacity.

Speaking at the meeting, Secretary Food Safety and Consumer Protection Dr. Kiran Khursheed emphasized that institutional reforms, digitalisation, transparent regulatory frameworks and effective monitoring are essential to align Punjab’s agricultural marketing system with modern requirements.

She noted that improved coordination among institutions and increased investment in infrastructure would strengthen the agricultural supply chain, improve market efficiency and enhance service delivery for farmers and agribusiness stakeholders.

The meeting reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuing reform initiatives in accordance with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision, with a focus on modernising agricultural markets, improving infrastructure, promoting transparency and facilitating farmers, traders and agribusiness enterprises across Punjab.