For decades, one has only seen an unending lip service on the importance of agriculture, but nothing worthwhile was done to exploit its potential. At long last, it appears that we are moving beyond rhetoric to practical measures to truly uplift it.
The inauguration of the Land Information and Management System-Center of Excellence by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir is a significant milestone in the country’s quest for agricultural development, food security, and increased agricultural exports. This visionary initiative on the part of civilian and military leadership holds the promise of transforming the nation’s agricultural landscape, leveraging technology and strategic partnerships to achieve sustainable growth.
Unquestionably, Pakistan at present is faced with the most difficult economic situation, and it is the need of the hour that the institutions and stakeholders work hand in hand to put the country in the right direction. Hence, everybody should avoid baseless finger-pointing on such initiatives or the involvement of the military in them. It was because of the Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir’s efforts that the country secured much-needed financing guarantees both from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and the same was very rightly acknowledged in recent speeches by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Given the reputation and close association of the Army Chief with the Gulf countries, we are confident that he will also be successful in attracting investments in key sectors such as agriculture, industries, IT, and Defense Production identified in the economic revival plan.
During a recent background briefing from the concerned quarters, it was informed that the LIMS would work in collaboration with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and China on various agriculture projects to enhance the country’s exports. It was also informed at the same briefing that Saudi Arabia has already given Pakistan $500 million for a high-efficiency irrigation system. Hence positive results are already much visible, and we are confident that the collaborative efforts which will encourage the investors will lead to transforming the whole landscape of agriculture in the country.
What is really important to note about the LIMS is that it has been developed with the aim to align the agriculture sector with modern trends and best international practices, which indeed is the key to uplifting this important sector of the economy. The GIS-based system will improve the national agri yield by systemizing the digitization of agriculture, providing real-time information to farmers about soil, crops, weather, water resource, and pest monitoring through remote sensing and geospatial technologies. It will minimize the role of middlemen through an efficient marketing system.
For the success of LIMS or other agriculture-related initiatives, empowering farmers with knowledge and skills is of paramount importance. The Center of Excellence should collaborate with agricultural universities and research institutions to develop comprehensive training programs tailored to the needs of farmers. These programs should cover modern farming techniques, sustainable practices, crop diversification, and effective utilization of the Land Information and Management System. Farmer field schools and demonstration plots can also serve as a practical learning platform to showcase successful agricultural practices.
It must be understood that uplifting the agriculture sector will remain a pipe dream without facilitating and assisting the smaller farmers. Access to finance is a critical factor in enabling farmers to adopt modern agricultural practices. The government, in collaboration with financial institutions, should establish mechanisms to provide affordable credit facilities and grants to farmers. These financial resources can be utilized for acquiring improved seeds, fertilizers, and machinery and implementing advanced irrigation systems. Additionally, creating linkages between farmers and agribusinesses, both domestic and international, can open up avenues for investment and market access.
And finally, regular monitoring and evaluation of the Land Information and Management System’s performance are crucial for making informed decisions and identifying areas for improvement. Key performance indicators should be established, and a dedicated monitoring and evaluation framework be implemented to assess the impact of the system on food security, agricultural productivity, and export growth. Feedback from farmers and stakeholders should actively be sought and incorporated into the system’s continuous improvement.
We have no doubt in saying that with the commitment of all stakeholders and dedication of resources, the country can unlock its agricultural potential and become a major player in global agri exports, driving economic growth and prosperity of the nation.
