Global Rice News

Agriculture: Transforming Pakistan’s Economy

By Attshan Ali Abbasi

Agriculture plays a vital role in Pakistan’s economy, employing approximately 40% of the workforce and contributing significantly to the country’s GDP. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the agricultural sector accounted for 24.4% of the country’s GDP in 2020. However, this sector faces several challenges, including low productivity, water scarcity, and limited market access.

Facts and Figures

• Pakistan’s agricultural sector is the largest employer in the country, providing livelihoods to over 40% of the workforce.
• The sector contributes significantly to the country’s GDP, accounting for 24.4% in 2020.
• Pakistan ranks as the 5th largest producer of wheat, 4th largest producer of cotton, and 2nd largest producer of rice in Asia.
• The country boasts a vast irrigation system, with over 50% of agricultural land under irrigation.
• Pakistan’s agricultural exports account for over 20% of the country’s total exports.

Learning from International Success

We can draw inspiration from successful agricultural models in countries like the USA, China, Brazil, Australia, and the Netherlands. These nations have transformed their agricultural sectors into vibrant and productive industries through innovative farming practices, cutting-edge technology, and effective policy-making.

Challenges Faced by Pakistan

• Low productivity: Pakistan’s agricultural sector lags behind other countries in the region.
• Water scarcity: The country is grappling with severe water scarcity, with per capita water availability decreasing by 40% in the past 50 years.
• Limited market access: Pakistani farmers encounter significant challenges in accessing both domestic and international markets.
• Lack of technology and innovation: The sector lacks modern technology and innovation, leading to inefficiencies and low productivity.

The Holy Quran emphasizes the importance of agriculture and humans’ responsibility to cultivate and care for the earth. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 164, it is written: “And it is He who has made the earth subservient to you, so walk in its paths and eat from His provision.” This verse highlights the significance of agriculture and the need to utilize the earth’s resources wisely.

Suggestions for Improvement

To address these challenges and revolutionize the agricultural sector, the following steps can be taken:

• Increased investment in agricultural research and development to enhance productivity and efficiency.
• Implementation of modern irrigation systems and water management techniques to conserve water and reduce waste.
• Enhanced access to credit and financial services for farmers to improve livelihoods and productivity.
• Promotion of value addition and export-oriented production to increase the competitiveness of Pakistani agricultural products in international markets.
• Encouragement of private sector investment in agriculture to improve efficiency and productivity.
• Development and implementation of inclusive agricultural policies and programs to address the needs of all stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.

International Collaboration

International collaboration and partnerships can play a crucial role in the transformation of Pakistan’s agricultural sector:

• Collaboration with international organizations, research institutions, and countries experienced in agriculture to facilitate knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and investment.
• Partnerships with international companies and organizations to improve market access and technology adoption.
• Encouragement of foreign investment in agriculture to enhance efficiency and productivity.

It is also important to focus on district-level improvements in Pakistan:

• Facilitation of the formulation and enforcement of policies on minimum economic farm size based on digitized cadastral maps and an electronic land titling system.
• Passing and enforcing laws to regulate the growth of tube wells and control high rates of water abstraction.
• Ensuring fair competition in the agricultural marketing system at all levels.
• Providing private seed companies with a level playing field and access to basic seed and plant materials developed by public researchers.
• Targeting fertilizer subsidies to small and marginal farmers.
• Promoting safe pesticide use by disseminating information to farmers.
• Exploring opportunities for integration of farmers, supermarkets, processors, and exporters into value chains.
• Improving governance to expand the private sector’s role in the sector.

Recommendations for the Prime Minister

To drive the agricultural revolution in Pakistan, the Prime Minister can consider the following recommendations:

1. Declare agriculture a national priority and launch a national agricultural development program.
2. Allocate dedicated funding for agricultural research and development.
3. Establish a high-level task force on agricultural development.
4. Engage with farmers, civil society organizations, and private sector stakeholders to develop and implement policies.
5. Encourage private sector investment in agriculture.
6. Leverage technology and innovation to improve agricultural productivity, efficiency, and sustainability.
7. Develop and implement inclusive agricultural policies and programs.
8. Ensure access to credit and financial services for farmers.
9. Improve governance and reduce corruption in the agricultural sector.
10. Monitor and evaluate progress regularly to ensure the success of the agricultural revolution.

The transformation of Pakistan’s agricultural sector requires a comprehensive approach that addresses challenges through sustainable practices, technology adoption, and inclusive policy-making. By doing so, Pakistan can unlock the true potential of its agriculture, ensuring food security, economic growth, and sustainable development.

About the Writer

Mr. Attshan Ali Abbasi is a distinguished M Phil Public Policy scholar, Director of the National Youth Assembly of Pakistan, and accomplished author of the first-ever academic research on the Parliament of Pakistan. He also serves as the CEO of Nishan Group of Companies, bringing a wealth of expertise and leadership to the forefront of policy and development initiatives.

Source: Daily Parliament Times