A Resilient Future for Pakistan’s Agriculture

In recent years, Pakistan has witnessed a notable shift in monsoon patterns and increased cyclone occurrences due to rising temperatures, impacting the agricultural sector. Ranked as the fifth most vulnerable country to climate change, Pakistan faces devastating effects as its population grows alongside urbanization.

The agriculture sector, employing nearly 25 million people, is vital for Pakistan’s economy, making climate-smart strategies imperative for food security. Climate change has led to temperature spikes, altered rainfall patterns, severe droughts, and floods, impacting agricultural production, water, and forests. Pakistan’s vulnerability stems from its dependence on agriculture, making the adoption of climate-smart crop management crucial for sustained food security.

The said sector has undergone 76 years of evolution providing sustenance to a significant portion of the population. Despite the move from traditional farming practices to the incorporation of modern technologies, the journey reflects the nation’s shift from a strong agri-economy to a partially import-dependent one.

At the time of Pakistan’s independence in 1947, agriculture formed the backbone of the economy, contributing a substantial 53% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment. The predominantly agrarian society relied on age-old farming methods, with small landholdings and a focus on staple crops.

The Green Revolution of the 60’s, marked by the introduction of high-yielding crop varieties, improved irrigation systems, and the use of fertilizers and pesticides. These advancements significantly increased crop yields, addressing food security concerns and elevating the economic status of farmers. The Green Revolution brought about a shift from subsistence farming to more commercialized and productive agriculture.

The integration of Agricultural Technology (AgTech) has become a game-changer, offering solutions ranging from precision farming and drone technology to digital platforms providing real-time information on weather, crop health, and market prices. These advancements aim at enhancing productivity, optimizing resource utilization, and empowering the farmers with the knowledge for informed decision-making.

Water scarcity, outdated farming practices, and the impacts of climate change have been persistent issues. Despite their crucial contribution to the wellbeing of communities, the farmers often face numerous challenges that hinder their prosperity. One significant issue is the unequal distribution of profits within the agricultural supply chain.

To strengthen the farmers, it is essential to address this imbalance and ensure that they receive fair compensation for their hard work. Many farmers, especially in developing regions, lack access to information, resources, and technology that could enhance their productivity. Strengthening the farmers involves providing them with the necessary knowledge, tools, and resources to improve agricultural practices, increase yields, and make informed decisions.

Moreover, literacy and education play a crucial role in empowering them. Educated farmers are better equipped to adopt modern farming techniques, understand market dynamics, and negotiate fair deals. Investment in education and training programs for the farmers can contribute to their overall development and resilience against challenges such as climate change and market fluctuations.

Financial support is another critical aspect of strengthening farmers. Access to credit, subsidies, and insurance can provide a safety net to them, helping them withstand unforeseen circumstances like crop failures or natural disasters. By strengthening the financial position of the farmers, not only their individual wellbeing would be ensured but it also contribute to the overall stability of the agricultural sector.

Government policies play a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of the agriculture sector. Strategic investments in water infrastructure, research and development, and support for sustainable practices are essential for sustainable growth. Moreover, public-private partnerships have emerged as a powerful mechanism for transferring technology, fostering innovation, and implementing large-scale projects for the benefit of the farmers.

The United States of America and Canada serve as global models. The US embraces precision using technologies like GPS-guided tractors and advanced analytics, while sustainable practices, crop diversification, and robust research contribute to a resilient agricultural sector. Similarly, Canada focuses on sustainable farming, emphasizing organic practices and efficient water management. Research and development initiatives support climate-resilient crops, while cooperative models empower small farmers.

Dr. Akmal Siddiq, Former ADB Chief for Rural Development and Food Security, emphasized the need for consistent government patronage and said: “Special focus on research and development, seed supply, financial resources, and marketing is crucial. The Asian Development Bank has also been considering corporate agriculture on a wider scale to promote the sector, especially in Balochistan’s Kachhi Canal area.”

In the contemporary landscape of Pakistan’s agricultural sector, innovative initiatives such as Habib Bank Limited’s (HBL) Zarai services have played a pivotal role in addressing the core needs of the farmers. Zarai Services is a specialized segment that focuses on providing other than financial services tailored to the unique requirements of the agriculture sector.

This initiative aims at bridging the gap between financial institutions and farmers by offering a range of services alongside financial products specifically designed for the agricultural community. These services may include free agronomy services, provision of high-end seeds, fertilizers, urea, etc, Agri machinery rental facility, warehousing and other financial instruments that cater to the seasonal and cyclical nature of farming. By understanding the intricacies of agricultural cycles, this initiative contributes to the economic stability of farmers and promotes sustainable practices in the sector.

Additionally, their concept of ‘Dera’ stands to gain prominence as a grassroots-level approach to supporting the farmers in Pakistan. A Dera refers to a communal space or gathering, where farmers come together to discuss agricultural practices, share knowledge, and collectively address challenges.

As Pakistan continues its journey towards agricultural prosperity, a holistic approach that combines financial support, community engagement, and technological innovation will be crucial to create a resilient and thriving agricultural sector, for a broader agricultural transformation strategy.
Pakistan is definitely reliant on stronger agricultural output and optimization of fertile lands, water reserves, and progress at the grassroots level.

(The writer is a well-known environmentalist and the Executive Director Devcom-Pakistan Centre for Geopolitical Studies. He may be reached through email devcom.pakistan@gmail.com or X (twitter) handle @EmmayeSyed}