The government continues to promote the decades-old system that has devastated the climate and made farmers poorer, says Asif Shareef, a progressive grower who has established model organic farms in Punjab.

“It has not yet introduced a policy for changing processes that have been used for four decades. An excessive use of chemicals has made our produce costlier while hurting its quality, thus rendering uncompetitive internationally.”

He said that the launching of a tree-plantation drive does not enable the country to meet the goals set in the sustainable development strategy for 2020. Rather, farmers have to recourse to the old natural farming system if they want to improve the farming community, provide more nutritious produce to consumers, and rein-in climate change.

“It’s pathetic that no government institution understands the issue. Indigenous research is at zero-level. Extension services are dormant. Cartels are not allowing decision-makers to do the needful.”

Farmers need knowledge and resources to rectify the situation. In his view, the lack of either would result in failure. However, no school or training centre has been established for farmers, he said.

The government, like its predecessors, is engaged in all things but agriculture, regrets Farooq Bajwa, a leader of the Farmers Associate Pakistan. “We are asked to increase production to end poverty but without any facility extended to us. Though the rupee depreciation has enhanced the cost of farm inputs, the price of produce is the same as it was seven years ago. How can you end rural poverty which such measures?”

Mr Bajwa laments that the farming community is not taken on board when policies are framed for them. He referred to a high-level meeting held a couple of weeks ago in Islamabad where ginners and textile millers were invited but not farmers.

Banks are either not ready to extend credit to small farmers or reluctantly give small installments which are not convenient for loan-seekers.

“The farm sector can only help end poverty and improve nutrition if those engaged in the business are given resources to do so.”

Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, September 23rd, 2019