Pakistanis economy is mostly dependent on agricultural productivity. Fluctuations in agricultural production i.e. wheat, cotton, sugar, etc. adversely influence the overall economy in the country.

The factors controlling crop production must be identified and brought to the attention of senior government officials so that policies may be formulated to eradicate constraints limiting productivity.

Weeds are hidden enemies of crops and cause huge losses to the crop yields, which amount to between Rs115-200 billion per annum. They deplete the soil of its resources and also harbour insect, pests and disease pathogens. The extent of damage caused by weeds vary type and its density. Usually losses are extremely by high during early stages. The critical competition period varies with the kind of crop, e.g. onion is very sensitive to weed competition and may fail in severe cases. Depending upon the extent of weed infestation the losses range from minor to complete crop failure. In wheat, weeds cause 18-30% loss in yield; 10-35 per cent reduction in yield has been reported in sugar cane. The damage in pulses is up to 45 per cent. In vegetables weeds cause 39-89% yield reduction. The estimated losses in fruits and orchards are 5 per cent. Moreover uncontrolled weeds cause more losses in developing countries (17-35 per cent) as compared with developed countries (10-14 per cent).

Related issues: Total elimination of weeds is neither desirable nor possible, however, weed population and growth in crops, vegetables and orchards could be checked, reduced and brought to the economic threshold (ET) levels by the adoption of modern weed management strategies. Fields of most of the progressive farmers are generally free of weeds and their yields are relatively much higher than majority of the farmers because the progressive farmers have adopted control measures. However, many farmers are ignorant of the damage caused by the weeds, or how to prevent it. After reaching the saturation point in the insecticide market, the focus of pesticide companies is to expand herbicide business.

During recent years herbicide usage has increased from 4% to 11 per cent but it is still much lower than advanced countries (50 per cent). There is great scope to expand herbicide usage however, certain problems and risks are involved in herbicidal use because of the different nature of target. The use of insecticides is desirable, but can only proceed if the farmers one educated in the accurate usage. Mistalnes in the application of herbicides can ruin the crops, and create immunities in the weeds making them harder to kill.

Liberal policy of the government allowing import of herbicides registered anywhere in the world no doubt has encouraged herbicide usage, however, it has resulted in misuse of the policy. For instance Acetochlor is being used on rice in Pakistan, but it6 was never registered as a rice herbicide in any country of the world. Similarly the innumerable long list of herbicides (21) for a single crop (wheat) may create confusion among the uneducated farmers leading to hazards.

Pakistan can truly improve its economy and agricultural yields by investing in weed control policies. Better education at agricultural science institutions, and at the mass level is essential for success. Pakistan should develop world class herbicide manufacturing facilities here, instead of importing expensive products. If the problem of weed encroachment is handled scientifically, the entire nation will reap the benefits.