Yasir Jamal
The agricultural sector in Pakistan has always been considered the backbone of its economy, making up around 24 percent of the GDP and employing nearly 48 percent of the labor force. Despite possessing vast arable land and unique geographical advantages, persistent challenges such as lack of support for farmers, water scarcity, saline and waterlogged soils, and insufficient mechanization have hindered progress in the sector. This has led to the continuation of outdated farming practices, entrenched middleman politics, and a lack of innovation.
Pakistan has a rich agricultural heritage that dates back thousands of years, providing sustenance to ancient civilizations such as the Indus Valley, Meher Garh, and Gandhara. The cultivation of staple crops like wheat and rice has been integral to the region. However, while neighboring countries like India and Bangladesh have embraced modernization in agriculture, Pakistan has lagged behind, resulting in slower economic growth.
The question arises: why fix something that has worked for so long? Despite this, evidence of the impact of climate change on agriculture and the underperformance of key crops in Pakistan cannot be ignored. For instance, the wheat yield in Pakistan is approximately 3 tons per hectare, lower than the global average of 3.5 tons. Implementing precision agriculture with GPS-guided machinery could increase efficiency by 15-20 percent, while cultivating drought-resistant crops can improve yields by up to 30 percent in water-stressed areas. These innovations offer great potential for improving agricultural productivity in the country.
It is evident that modernizing Pakistan’s agriculture sector could result in a 3-4 percent annual increase in agricultural GDP. For instance, efficient irrigation methods such as drip irrigation can save up to 60 percent of water compared to flood irrigation. Moreover, the adoption of modern breeding techniques and improved nutrition for livestock could significantly boost milk and meat production. Additionally, the fisheries sector, with its vast coastline, also holds significant growth potential through the implementation of modern practices.
The potential benefits of modernization are substantial. It could lead to a 3-4 percent annual increase in agricultural GDP, a 15-20 percent reduction in rural poverty over five years, and a substantial rise in agricultural exports, potentially enabling the country to meet a significant portion of its neighboring countries’ food imports. There is also an opportunity to expand exports to Central Asian countries and increase agricultural exports to China under the CPEC initiative. However, along with immense potential, there are significant challenges that need to be addressed.
Research and Development (R&D) plays a crucial role in driving progress in any sector, including agriculture. However, Pakistan’s investment in R&D is significantly lower than other developing countries. Increasing R&D spending to at least 1 percent of agricultural GDP could pave the way for transformative advancements. Furthermore, addressing issues such as waterlogging, salinity, and inadequate storage facilities are critical for the modernization of irrigation systems and minimizing post-harvest losses. Moreover, improving the educational levels of farmers and implementing adult education programs to enhance technical and management skills are vital to drive modernization efforts effectively.
Another crucial aspect in promoting sustainable agriculture is agroecological farming, which focuses on ecological and regenerative practices to enhance sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity. This approach reduces reliance on synthetic pesticides, fosters soil fertility, conserves water, and preserves habitats, thereby contributing to multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals.
In the quest for modernizing Pakistan’s agriculture sector, initiatives such as HBL Zarai Services’ Dera, a one-stop facilitation service designed to support farmers in various aspects, are instrumental in driving progress. This comprehensive platform integrates mechanization, financing, warehousing, and knowledge sharing, providing holistic support to farmers and enhancing productivity.
Concludingly, the modernization of Pakistan’s agriculture sector offers immense opportunities for sustainable growth, increased productivity, and poverty reduction. By addressing key challenges, increasing R&D, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, Pakistan can harness its potential to become a leading food supplier in the region.
