PAKISTAN is an agricultural state. Thus agriculture is the mainstay of the country’s economy, besides industry and commerce. However, agriculture gains are of much importance than any other sector.

Importance of this sector is manifold as it feeds people, provides raw material to industry and is a base for foreign trade.

God has blessed the country with good soil, suitable climate and adequate water resources for producing agricultural crops, fruits and vegetables of all kinds. It merits a mention that 75 per cent of arable land is irrigated which is an unmatched blessing. However, it has been observed in the recent past housing schemes have been mushrooming on fertile agricultural lands, with the result that small farmers are abandoning agriculture and are migrating to cities for livelihood.

According to the practice in vogue in developed countries, only barren and useless land is utilised for residential purpose. Besides, skyscrapers resulting in vertical accommodation are adopted instead of horizontal residences. This considerably reduces space, accommodating more people on less area. These measures under proper planning can save precious fertile land from extinction.

In view of the above, there is a strong need for legislation of restricting conversion of precious fertile agricultural land for residential purposes in the country so that agriculture might not receive a further setback on this account. This will also help reduce migration of rural population to urban areas.

KHAN FARAZ Peshawar