About 70pc of our people live in rural areas and are directly involved in agricultural activities. There are two crops in Pakistan — Rabi and Kharif. Our crops are wheat, rice, maize, cotton and sugarcane, and contributed 7.7pc last year against the set target of 4.5pc. Minor crops are canola, onions, mangoes and pulses which contributed 3.6pc as because there was no virus attack last year. Fishery and forestry contribute 16.6pc and 8.8pc, respectively.

Although the agricultural sector is facing problems, the major chunk of money comes from this sector.

The following are the major causes of our agricultural problems which disturb agricultural growth or development in the country.

First, no mechanism has been adopted to eradicate soil erosion and even after harvesting nothing is done to improve or restore soil energy.

Secondly, water wastage is very high in our country. A new irrigation system called drip irrigation should be introduced. This not only saves water but also gives proper quantity of water according to the needs of plants.

Thirdly, owing to old methods of cultivation and harvesting, Pakistan has low per acre yield.

Fourthly, the number of our small farmers is rising, leading to fragmentation of lands. These small farmers do not get credit facilities to buy seeds, pesticides, fertilisers etc.

Moreover, waterlogging and salinity has greatly increased, but no effective steps have been taken to contain this. This is why salinity is becoming a major issue in most parts of Punjab and Sindh.

Bisma Abdul Latif

Karachi

Published in Dawn December 4th, 2016