AGRICULTURE is the mainstay of our country’s economy. According to Pakistan Economic Survey 2011-12, the agriculture sector is critical for growth, exports, incomes and food security, and for industrialisation. It is the second largest sector of economy and contributes about 21 per cent to the GDP, generates productive employment opportunities for 45 per cent of the country’s labour force while 60 per cent of the rural population depend directly or indirectly on this sector for their livelihood.

According to the Survey, Pakistan’s agriculture grew by 3.1 per cent against the targeted 3.4 per cent. Major crops accounted for 31.9 per cent of the agricultural value-added and experienced a growth of 3.2 per cent in the fiscal year 2011-12.

Agriculture is continuously witnessing a downward trend as it has registered an overall decline of 10 per cent in several major and minor crops during the last three years. Reasons for the decline have been floods in the country during 2010 and heavy rains in Sindh during 2011.

Also, lack of research, insufficient funds allocation and lack of encouragement for domestic varieties are among the few major impediments in the development of agriculture.

Climate change is becoming a threat for the country. Also, increasing population and decreasing resources may pose a threat for our future generations. Therefore, farmers should implement their knowledge and improve food security through sustainable agriculture. Promotion of sustainable agriculture will not only save environment, but also boost farmers’ incomes.

KHAN FARAZ Peshawar

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.