Islamabad, Jan 13: The federal government’s Rightsizing Committee has announced a comprehensive restructuring of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, aiming for a 30% reduction in size. This initiative involves abolishing, merging, and transferring the responsibilities of 16 sub-institutes and departments to provincial administrations, significantly streamlining operations.
As per official documents, seven institutions will be abolished, and nine will merge into provincial frameworks, with the ministry expected to submit its implementation plan by January 20, 2025.
One of the key measures includes eliminating vacancies to adjust the officer-to-staff ratio from 3:1 to 2.5:1. Structural changes include merging the Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department (FSCDR) with the National Seed Development and Research Authority (NSDRA) and integrating the Agriculture Policy Institute with the Economic Wing.
However, The Plant Protection Department will focus on international responsibilities and eliminate redundant positions in several departments.
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The government also plans to digitalize the Plant Breeders’ Rights Registry, enhancing its capacity, and assign the Pakistan Oilseed Department with creating provincial policies. The National Veterinary Laboratory’s core functions will also shift to provincial control, reflecting the broader goal of decentralizing responsibilities.
Further reforms include third-party reviews of institutions like the National Fertilizer Development Centre and Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC). PARC will undergo significant consolidation, retaining only 50% of its current posts.
The Livestock and Dairy Development Board will transfer to provincial authorities. PASSCO will liquidate and sell its assets.
Additional changes include a third-party audit of the Pakistan Cotton Committee and Pakistan Cotton Standard Institute, along with the transfer of essential functions of the Pakistan Tobacco Board to provinces.
These measures aim to improve operational efficiency, reduce redundancies, and strengthen provincial autonomy in agricultural management.
This strategic overhaul reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing the agricultural sector, optimizing resource utilization, and enhancing institutional effectiveness.
By streamlining federal operations and empowering provincial administrations, the initiative promises a more agile and responsive agricultural framework in Pakistan.
