Agriculture Revival Cannot Be Delayed
Recent evidence shows that key crops are suffering from a marked decline, while overall GDP growth has slipped by one percent. Although the livestock sector has buoyed the economy to some extent, experts continue to question the accuracy of animal census figures. If the agricultural sector continues to flounder, the consequences—food shortages, increased rural poverty, and a drop in foreign exchange earnings—will be severe. It is imperative that the government takes urgent measures to restore this vital industry, which previously contributed significantly to economic growth.
Revitalizing Wheat Production
Wheat remains the backbone of Pakistan’s agriculture, cultivated on roughly eight to nine million hectares. The crop supports a multitude of flour mills—over 1,600 large units along with many small village-level flour chakkis. To enhance productivity, provincial authorities should work in tandem with the flour mills association to designate specific zones. This strategy would allow the sharing of technical expertise designed to boost per-unit output, and could involve recruiting agriculture graduates to help implement best practices.
Enhancing Credit and Market Arrangements
Providing farmers with accessible loans for essential inputs is crucial. These loans can be administered through the designated mills or local banks and later recouped once the mills purchase the produce. Establishing clear agreements between the mills and the farmers will help ensure that crops are acquired at fair, stable prices, reducing uncertainty for all parties involved.
Modernizing Sugar and Rice Cultivation
Sugarcane is currently grown on about 1.3 million hectares and yields 90-100 million tonnes of cane, which is processed into roughly eight million tonnes of sugar for domestic use. However, the industry faces challenges in disposing of the surplus product. A promising alternative is sugar beet—a crop once widely cultivated in past decades—that requires less water, matures more quickly, and produces nearly double the output of sugarcane. In addition, a byproduct of sugar beet can be repurposed as animal feed to enhance milk production. Although setting up the necessary crushing equipment represents an initial hurdle, working closely with industry stakeholders can pave the way for this transition.
Similarly, rice cultivation consumes a large amount of water. Switching from traditional, coarse rice varieties to higher-yielding hybrids could potentially double production. Cotton production, too, has suffered amid climate change, as demonstrated by significantly lower yields this season. Engaging scientists, agricultural planners, and industry experts to develop more resilient crop varieties remains essential.
Restoring Farmer Outreach and Water Management
Looking back to the 1970s, many national banks employed agriculture graduates as mobile credit officers. These experts visited farmers to introduce modern crop management techniques and facilitate credit access. Reviving such initiatives could significantly boost crop yields. Additionally, transitioning to crops that require less water along with the adoption of sprinkler irrigation systems would help reduce the reliance on flood irrigation—a practice that not only wastes water but also endangers crops and farmers during heavy rains. Developing floodwater conservation measures and constructing water storage dams are urgent steps to safeguard the agricultural landscape.
Reducing Food Import Dependency
Pakistan currently faces an enormous food import bill totaling around $10 billion, with edible oils accounting for over half of this sum—second only to petroleum imports. By gradually phasing out water-intensive crops such as sugarcane in favor of alternatives like sunflower and canola, the country can improve its food security and reduce the strain on its balance of payments.
Conclusion
The nation’s agricultural sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the past. With strategic reforms and timely government intervention, it can once again drive economic growth and help Pakistan move away from its dependency on external financial assistance. Revitalizing agriculture is not just about boosting production—it is a critical step toward ensuring food security, stabilizing rural communities, and strengthening the overall economy.
Ghulam Idris Khan, Former Managing Director, Pakistan Oilseed Development Board, Islamabad
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