Agriculture: The Backbone Of Pakistan – OpEd

Agriculture has long been the backbone of Pakistan's economy, serving as its lifeline and mainstay. It is a sector that not only feeds the nation but also supports a significant portion of the population, both directly and indirectly. As of 2023, agriculture contributes approximately 24% to Pakistan’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs about 42.3% of the labor force. This article explores the multifaceted aspects of agriculture in Pakistan, examining its significance, contributions, challenges, and future prospects.

Major Crops and Their Contributions

Pakistan’s agricultural sector is dominated by several key crops, including wheat, rice, cotton, and sugarcane. These crops are the backbone of the rural economy and significantly contribute to the national GDP.

Wheat is Pakistan's staple food crop and occupies the largest cultivated area. In the fiscal year 2023-24, wheat production surged by 11.6%, reaching 31.4 million tons compared to 28.2 million tons the previous year. This increase was driven by favorable weather conditions, improved farming practices, and government support in terms of subsidies and high-quality seed distribution.

Pakistan is one of the top rice exporters in the world, with basmati rice being a key export product. In 2023, rice production saw a remarkable increase of 34.8%, rising from 7.3 million tons to 9.9 million tons. This boost was attributed to the adoption of high-yield varieties and better irrigation practices.

Cotton is a critical cash crop for Pakistan’s textile industry, which is a major export sector. Cotton production recorded an extraordinary 108.2% increase in 2023, with 10.2 million bales compared to 4.9 million bales the previous year. This recovery from the previous year’s flood damage was due to effective pest control measures and the use of genetically modified seeds.

Sugarcane is another vital crop, supporting the sugar industry. In 2023, the production of sugarcane remained stable, contributing significantly to the agricultural GDP and providing raw material for both sugar and ethanol production.

Livestock Sector

The livestock sector is a major component of Pakistan’s agriculture, contributing about 60.84% to the agricultural GDP and 14.63% to the national GDP. This sector includes a diverse range of animals, from cattle and buffaloes to goats and camels. Pakistan has a substantial livestock population, including 24.2 million cattle, 26.3 million buffaloes, 24.9 million sheep, 56.7 million goats, and 0.8 million camels.

The country is also the fourth largest milk producer globally, with an annual production of approximately 29.5 million tons. Livestock not only provides milk, meat, and eggs but also serves as a source of livelihood for millions of rural households. The poultry sector, with over 530 million birds produced annually, is also significant, contributing to food security and nutrition.

Fisheries and Forestry

Though smaller in scale compared to crop and livestock sectors, fisheries and forestry play crucial roles in Pakistan’s economy. Fisheries contribute significantly to export earnings, with the coastal and inland fisheries providing employment to a large number of people. The fishery sector has shown steady growth, with aquaculture being a rapidly developing industry, especially in Punjab.

Forestry, covering about 4% of Pakistan’s land, provides essential resources such as timber, fuelwood, and non-timber forest products. Sustainable forestry practices are crucial for environmental conservation and biodiversity.

Economic Impact and Challenges

The agricultural sector's growth has been robust, with a 6.25% increase noted in FY2023-24. This growth has been fueled by favorable weather conditions, government policies, and technological advancements in farming practices. However, the sector faces numerous challenges, including:

Pakistan is a water-stressed country, and agriculture consumes about 93% of the total water resources. Efficient water management and the adoption of water-saving technologies are essential to address this challenge. Many farmers still rely on traditional farming methods, leading to low productivity. There is a need for the adoption of modern agricultural practices, including the use of high-yield varieties, precision farming, and mechanization. Small farmers often face difficulties in accessing credit and modern inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides. Financial inclusion and support from agricultural banks can help mitigate this issue. The unequal distribution of land remains a persistent issue, with a significant portion of rural households being landless. Land reforms and policies aimed at equitable land distribution can enhance productivity and reduce poverty.

Government Initiatives and Future Prospects

To address the challenges in the agricultural sector, the government of Pakistan has launched several initiatives aimed at modernizing agriculture, improving productivity, and ensuring sustainability. One of the most significant programs is the National Agriculture Emergency Program, initiated in 2019 with an investment of over Rs. 277 billion. This program focuses on critical areas such as water conservation, crop production enhancement, and livestock and fisheries development, with key projects including watercourse construction and solar systems installation.

The Kissan Package is another notable initiative providing financial support to farmers. It includes subsidies on fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides, along with concessional loans. In 2023, the package was expanded to include subsidies for farm machinery and equipment, promoting mechanization and modern farming techniques.

In response to climate change, the government has introduced projects under climate-smart agriculture. These focus on adopting drought-resistant crop varieties, efficient irrigation techniques, and integrated pest management. Improved weather forecasting systems also help farmers make informed decisions.

The Prime Minister’s Agriculture Transformation Plan aims to revolutionize agriculture through modern technologies and best practices. This plan includes developing high-yield and disease-resistant crop varieties, establishing model farms, and promoting precision agriculture. Increased funding for research institutions fosters innovation.

Addressing water scarcity, the government prioritizes developing irrigation infrastructure, including new dams, rehabilitating existing systems, and introducing drip and sprinkler irrigation technologies. The use of remote sensing and GIS technologies for efficient water management is also promoted.

Supporting small farmers, the government offers microcredit schemes, crop insurance programs, and farmer training. Promoting farmer cooperatives helps improve market access and bargaining power. These initiatives reflect a multifaceted approach to overcoming challenges in Pakistan’s agricultural sector.

Agriculture remains the backbone of Pakistan, pivotal to its economy and social fabric. The sector's contributions to GDP, employment, and export earnings highlight its importance. Despite the challenges, with continued investment, policy support, and modernization, Pakistan’s agriculture sector holds the potential to thrive and ensure prosperity and food security for the nation.