Agriculture is the guarantor of human survival, and it holds the potential to transform our national economy, leading the country toward self-sufficiency.
National dignity lies in agricultural self-reliance, and a country that cannot produce its own food holds no significant place in the world. All its glory and pride become meaningless. Russia, which once spanned one-sixth of the earth and was a global superpower, had to bow before the United States due to food shortages and today, it has lost its status as a superpower.
In Pakistan, everyone understands the importance of agriculture. Authorities frequently claim that traditional farming will soon be restructured along commercial lines. Despite these encouraging statements, the harsh reality remains that our farmers—especially small-scale ones—are suffering under economic and financial pressures. Sixty percent of our arable land is owned by individuals who lack the necessary resources and capital. They also don’t have access to modern information and cannot afford quality seeds or fertilizers.
There was a time when Pakistan was known for its agriculture and used to export agricultural products. Sadly, today we are importing billions of dollars’ worth of wheat, sugar, oil, and cotton. Two major and immediate challenges Pakistan faces are the explosive growth in population and the rapid expansion of urban and residential schemes. Punjab is the most severely affected region in this regard.
The rapid increase in global population has compelled agricultural scientists to think about new farming methods that not only boost productivity but also allow for the dual use of land for both agricultural and non-agricultural purposes. Experts warn that if we don’t prepare for the future now, severe food shortages may strike many countries in the coming decades.
Mark Rosegrant, a lead author of a report by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in Washington, states that by 2050, no single agricultural method or technology will be sufficient to meet global food demands. He emphasizes that instead of relying on one method or technology, we must employ a combination of technologies to maximize agricultural output.
In a world facing growing scarcity of natural resources, Rosegrant’s report titled “The Role of Agricultural Technologies in Food Security” warns that without adopting modern methods, feeding the rising population by 2050 will become exceedingly difficult. In developing countries like Pakistan, such technologies can help keep food prices affordable for those already at risk of hunger and malnutrition.
The challenges are twofold: while the global population is increasing rapidly, farmers are also grappling with climate change, shrinking cultivable land, and water scarcity. A blend of future technologies will have profound impacts on agricultural production, food consumption, food security, trade, and environmental standards in developing nations.This report focuses on advanced technologies such as drought and innovation resistant seeds, efficient water management systems for agriculture, and improved methods to combat pests, diseases, and weeds.
Some agricultural experts in Pakistan believe that promoting tunnel farming can enable off-season vegetable production, significantly improving yields. Efficient use of water through lined watercourses, drip irrigation, and sprinkler systems can reduce costs, minimize labor, and increase income. However, farmer training is essential for successfully adopting these innovations.
—The writer is contributing
columnist, based in Faisalabad.
