Reforms Advocated for Enhancing Agricultural Productivity and Exports
Published on: January 15, 2024.
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Pakistan’s agriculture sector plays a vital role in the country’s economy, contributing 22.9% to its GDP. The sector is known for its production of various crops, including wheat, cotton, sugarcane, mangoes, dates, rice, and oranges, not only to meet domestic food demand but also for export purposes.
In the year 2023-24, the value of Pakistan’s agricultural exports reached $5.2 billion, showing a 13% increase from the previous year, as reported by WealthPK. Key agricultural exports include rice, fruits, vegetables, cotton yarn, raw cotton, fish, and fish preparations.
To further enhance the agriculture sector’s competitiveness, productivity, and exports, Pakistan needs comprehensive reform measures. These reforms will benefit farmers, stimulate economic growth, and ensure long-term sustainability.
According to Tariq Sultan, Principal Scientific Officer at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), the government should focus on key areas such as technology adoption, irrigation infrastructure, market access, and farmer support. By promoting modern agricultural practices and providing farmers access to advanced machinery, precision farming techniques, and innovative crop management tools, productivity can be significantly improved while reducing reliance on labor-intensive methods.
Furthermore, investing in upgrading irrigation infrastructure is essential to efficiently manage water resources, overcome water scarcity challenges, and provide a reliable and sustainable water supply for agriculture. This will enhance crop yields and reduce vulnerability to the impacts of climate change.
Market access is another critical aspect that needs attention. To create a more open and competitive market environment, supply chains should be streamlined, the middleman’s role reduced, and direct farmer-to-consumer transactions facilitated. These measures will ensure fair prices for farmers and affordable, high-quality agricultural products for consumers.
In terms of farmer support, implementing financial assistance programs, crop insurance schemes, and agricultural extension services is crucial. These initiatives will provide a safety net for farmers, protect them from financial risks, and equip them with the necessary knowledge and resources to adopt best practices.
Tariq Sultan believes that these reforms will not only increase the competitiveness and productivity of Pakistan’s agriculture sector but also establish the country as a major player in the global agricultural market. With an expected increase in exports of high-value agricultural products, Pakistan’s economic growth will be significantly boosted.
Source: [Nation] [Source]
