AGRICULTURE is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. Unfortunately there are vast gaps between the acquired and actual output of produce, owing to lack of appropriate technology, use of inputs at improper times, water unavailability at critical times, inappropriate land use and inadequate education about insect pest control.

All these factors negatively affect agricultural output and significantly reduce crop yield.

To determine the major shortfalls and actual performance of major crops, a government study investigated the relationship between agricultural part of GDP and the output of major crops like wheat, rice, sugarcane, maize and cotton over 69 years from 1950 to 2019.

In the light of this exhaustive report, the government should launch new funding programmes for agricultural sector development.

Muhammad Usman Raja

Rawalpindi

Published in Dawn, September 19th, 2020