Agricultural/Rural Development in Pakistan Ashar Shahzad

Introduction Agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. It constitutes 21.5% 1 of the total GDP of Pakistan. 45% 2 of total labor force of Pakistan is employed in agricultural sector. Pakistan has a population of million 3 with growth rate of 2% 4 per annum. With such a big population having a medium level of growth rate, it is a challenge for the government to maintain an agricultural growth rate above the population growth rate and feed the masses page no: 17, accessed on 20 April page no: 17, accessed on 20 April accessed on 20 April 2014http:// accessed on 20 April 2014http://

Growth in Agriculture in Pakistan

Production of Important Crops in Pakistan

Agriculture and Pakistan’s water Resources- Identifying Challenges

Agriculture and Pakistan’s water Resources- Identifying Challenges (Continued)

Livestock, Poultry Production and Fisheries- Growth and Bottlenecks Together these three sectors are an important subsector agriculture development/rural up liftmen in Pakistan. Pakistan is an exporter of halal meet ( chicken and red meat) and fisheries. The problem in this sector in Pakistan is that it is unorganized, not mechanized and access to credit is very low. It has a huge potential to grow. Most of farmers/owners of livestock lack knowledge to do smart business in livestock. Improvement in this sector will help to improve rural poverty in Pakistan

Recommendations for Agriculture/Rural Development in Pakistan Canal irrigated agriculture, Large dams needed to store water for lean period/time. Yield per acre is low. Need to use high quality seeds, pesticides, machines and more fertilizers. Need to invest in agriculture research and universities. Need to establish agriculture credit market at gross roots level ( micro-financing).

Recommendations for Agriculture/Rural Development in Pakistan (Continued) Need to develop agriculture infrastructure like canals, distributaries, farm roads and highways. Need to remove corruption, nepotism and favoritism from the system to achieve efficiency and more productivity, Need to establish transparent and robust institutions for regulating prices, markets and water resources allocations. Need to educate farmers and provide vocational training in livestock, Poultry and fisheries agro- based industries.