Proposals are being discussed to waive loans, reschedule installments, and exempt farmers from paying interest.

In a recent cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, members suggested that borrowers of the Agricultural Development Bank Limited should be given immediate financial relief. Options include complete loan forgiveness or restructuring of payments.

The Agricultural Development Bank remains a key source of financial support for Pakistan’s agriculture sector. Experts believe relief from this institution could give a strong lifeline to struggling farmers.

Cabinet members also stressed that agriculture and climate change are primarily provincial matters. Any new program must be designed with provincial consultation and funding support. Given limited financial space at the federal level, members said any emergency plan must be backed by a clear and workable strategy covering both agricultural relief and climate challenges.

Participants advised that both short-term and long-term steps are needed. This would ensure immediate support for flood-hit farmers while also reducing the long-term impacts of climate change on agriculture.

Read more: Rising prices: From fuel to food, these items just got costlier

The cabinet also highlighted that Pakistan’s rapidly growing population is putting more pressure on resources and increasing climate vulnerability. To tackle this challenge, a high-level committee has been proposed.

This committee will be led by Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, with the chief secretaries of all provinces included. The goal will be to design solid measures to handle agricultural and climate emergencies together.

This move could bring real hope for thousands of farmers crushed by floods. Loan waivers or rescheduling would ease their struggles. But experts warn that without provincial support and a long-term plan, the relief may only be temporary. People are watching closely to see if the government really delivers this time.