ISLAMABAD: In recognition of the pivotal role that the agriculture sector plays in Pakistan’s economy, the government has taken concrete steps to prioritize and execute a range of transformative projects aimed at bolstering this sector. Under the umbrella of the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for 2023-24, the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives has allocated substantial funding for these initiatives. The ambitious goal is to harness the vast potential within Pakistan’s agriculture sector, making it an attractive hub for both local and foreign investors.
Pakistan boasts a well-integrated agricultural sector that significantly contributes to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by a staggering 22.9% and generates 37.4% of the nation’s employment opportunities. Beyond these economic statistics, the agricultural sector is the bedrock of Pakistan’s food security and a primary source of raw materials for various industries. Acknowledging the multi-dimensional importance of this sector, the government has shifted its focus towards accelerating agricultural development, driven by the commitment to the sector’s robust growth.
The elevated attention to agriculture projects comes as a result of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which placed agriculture at the forefront among its prioritized sectors. The SIFC, established earlier this year, aims to attract both foreign and local investments and focuses on five key areas: Agriculture, Defence Production, Mining/Minerals, Information Technology and Telecommunication, and Energy. This comprehensive approach ensures that the agricultural sector becomes the centerpiece of economic development.
The projects set to invigorate Pakistan’s agriculture landscape encompass a wide array of innovative initiatives. Among them, the “Cage Culture Cluster Development Project,” the “Commercialization of Potato Tissue Culture Technology in Pakistan,” and the “Establishment of consumer-sourcing seed authenticity system” are examples of projects that promise to revolutionize agriculture practices.
One of the standout initiatives, the “Prime Minister’s Initiatives for Green Revolution 2.0,” is allocated a significant budget of Rs 5000 million. This monumental project aspires to address key constraints that have hindered agricultural productivity in the past. With a strong emphasis on technology adoption, value addition for grains, fruits, and vegetables, and the active involvement of women and youth in agribusiness, this initiative aims to increase productivity and promote agricultural research. It’s worth noting that the original Green Revolution in the 1960s played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s economy, saving millions from famine. With “Green Revolution 2.0,” the government seeks to replicate this success and further bolster the national economy.
Despite the immense potential in the agriculture sector, Pakistan’s capacity to export food products is constrained by stringent international standards. Recognizing the significance of fruits and vegetables, a “Horticulture Support Program” is another project initiated with a budget of Rs 1000 million. This program is strategically designed to mitigate on-field and post-harvest losses of selected fruits and vegetables while enhancing horticultural value chains through the application of value-adding technologies at various stages of the value chain. Public-private partnerships will play a crucial role in this endeavor.
Another noteworthy project, the “Prime Minister’s National Programme for Solarization of Agricultural Tubewells in Pakistan,” boasts a budget of Rs 377,017 million. The program’s objective is to convert 100,000 tube wells, including 50,000 diesel and 50,000 electric tube wells, into solar-powered systems within a three-year timeframe. This transition promises a more sustainable and energy-efficient agriculture sector, paving the way for a greener and economically efficient future.
Furthermore, the government has already established the Land Information and Management System, Center of Excellence (LIMS-CoE), which aims to modernize agro-farming practices. Covering over 9 million hectares of previously uncultivated state land, LIMS-CoE is set to achieve several goals, including the reclamation of uncultivated wasteland, optimization of crop selection, creation of a master plan for modern farming, and implementation of cutting-edge agriculture management practices. This system also promotes agro-intelligence for digital and precision agriculture, facilitates real-time information dissemination to local farmers, and significantly reduces the reliance on intermediaries through an efficient marketing system.
Pakistan’s renewed commitment to enhancing its agriculture sector signifies more than just an economic move; it’s a strategic approach to guaranteeing food security, providing gainful employment opportunities for its population, and driving sustainable economic growth. These initiatives promise to revolutionize the agricultural landscape, positioning Pakistan as a competitive agricultural producer on the global stage.
