ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) will conduct a digital census of the agriculture sector to maximise its benefits for policymakers in the country.

An official announcement stated that PBS will employ seven software modules for an integrated and digital census approach, maximising benefits for Pakistan’s agricultural sector.

In this connection, PBS will train employees on HR and assignment module across the country.

The PBS has deployed 200 census district coordinators at 157 census support centres to provide technical guidance and digital support to field staff, in collaboration with deputy commissioners. Provincial governments are providing 7,000 field staff for field operations.

Marking the implementation of a digital integrated agricultural census in Pakistan, PBS is preparing for the 7th Agricultural Census nationwide in September-October 2024.

Previously, agricultural, livestock, and machinery were tallied separately in distinct censuses. They have now been amalgamated into an integrated agricultural census as a singular endeavour to optimise resource utilisation. The field operations team, sourced from provincial governments, will oversee the execution and monitoring of field operations.

The support services wing of PBS has developed administrative modules and data entry software applications to enhance the systematic and efficient utilisation of digital technology. The Supervisor and Enumerator Man­agement System plays a crucial role in facilitating the smooth finalisation of human resources for field work by providing detailed insights into staff allocation for effective management.

Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2024