ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed authorities to explore alternative fertilizer imports from Central Asia and speed up plans for new domestic production plants to strengthen Pakistan’s food security amid regional supply chain concerns.
The move comes as Islamabad seeks to protect its agriculture sector from possible disruptions linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global trade route for fertilizer shipments.
A large portion of global urea and ammonia exports originates from Gulf countries and passes through the strategic waterway, making it critical for agricultural supply chains worldwide.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif chaired a meeting on food security and fertilizer availability and instructed officials to ensure timely supply of fertilizers to farmers ahead of the Kharif season.
The prime minister directed authorities to prepare alternative supply arrangements from Central Asian states in case Gulf supply chains face disruptions.
He also ordered faster work on projects aimed at increasing local fertilizer production capacity.
Pakistan is currently completing the Rabi crop season while preparing for Kharif sowing, which includes rice, cotton and maize. Officials said uninterrupted fertilizer availability remains essential for maintaining crop yields.
Meeting participants informed the prime minister that gas supplies to local fertilizer plants were continuing and that sufficient stocks were available for upcoming agricultural needs.
Sharif said food security and support for the agriculture sector remained among the government’s top priorities. He ordered continuous monitoring of fertilizer supply and directed authorities to act against hoarding and artificial shortages.
Officials have previously warned that regional tensions could still affect fertilizer prices despite Pakistan producing much of its urea domestically. Authorities have also expressed concern over fertilizer smuggling due to the gap between local and international prices.
