ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Wednesday said that farmers are the backbone of national economy, saying food security, agricultural self-sufficiency, and rural development are inconceivable without their tireless efforts and sacrifices. He expressed these views ahead of National Farmers’ Day, which is observed every year on 18 December. Highlighting the pivotal role of farmers in ensuring food supply, supporting exports, and promoting rural employment across the country, the Speaker emphasised that farmers work day and night to provide food for the nation, contribute significantly to exports, and promote rural employment. “National food security, agricultural self-sufficiency, and rural development are inconceivable without the dedication of our farmers.” The NA Speaker underlined that Pakistan, being an agricultural country, has millions of families whose livelihoods depend directly on farming. He stressed the state’s responsibility to provide farmers with modern facilities, quality seeds, timely fertilizers, equitable water distribution, and access to advanced research to enhance productivity, reduce input costs, and improve incomes. Addressing the growing challenges of climate change, erratic rainfall, floods, droughts, and rising agricultural input costs, Ayaz Sadiq highlighted the need for crop insurance mechanisms, farmer-friendly credit schemes, affordable energy, and adoption of modern agricultural technologies. He further noted that Parliament is actively working to address farmers’ issues and ensure sustainable agricultural and rural development through legislation, oversight, and policy measures. “Farmers’ prosperity is a guarantee of national prosperity,” he remarked, adding that empowering farmers is key to Pakistan’s journey toward becoming a strong, self-reliant, and prosperous nation. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025