ISLAMABAD: Pakistan direly needs diversification in the agriculture sector for sustainable economic growth and protecting environment.
Despite being an agricultural country, Pakistan has to import food products just because of a lack of diversification in the sector.
To ensure that our agro-based economy grows, it is critical that we implement adequate diversification in our agriculture and farming sectors sooner than later.
Dr Yasir Naqvi, section officer (I&C) for livestock, Punjab, told WealthPK that agricultural diversification is one of the most important aspects of economic development. “It is the stage at which traditional agriculture is transformed into a dynamic and commercial industry by moving the traditional agricultural product mix to high-quality items with a high potential for increasing production rates.
A change in technology or consumer demand, trade or government policy, transportation, irrigation, and other infrastructure changes all help to foster agricultural diversification.”
Yasir Naqvi said that different methods can be applied for achieving agricultural diversification, including shifting the cropping patterns, which means shifting personnel from agriculture to other related activities such as poultry, cattle and fisheries, as well as the non-agriculture sector.
“Diversification is vital for rural people since it allows them to generate more income and escape poverty.”
The livestock department official said that in the past, plans were made to begin coconut and palm tree farming along the vast coastal areas of Pakistan in order to secure a good supply of cooking oil, but these were shelved for reasons unknown. “Similar is the fate of Pakistan Tea Board.”
Yasir Naqvi stressed that if Pakistan becomes self-sufficient in only two items — cooking oil and tea — it can save trillions of rupees incurred on import of these items. “Our varied environment allows us to develop a wide range of new crops, fruits, vegetables, and flowers.”
He underscored that Pakistan possesses all the prerequisites for productive farming, including fertile terrain, ample river water, and plenty of sunshine, as well as a large young workforce. “All that is required at our policy-making forums is commitment and sincerity of purpose.”
The official said that the government should announce a massive agriculture package focusing on farming diversification.
INP
