The government has failed to strengthen this sector despite 45 per cent of our labour force being employed in it
HYDERABAD: The Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) has played a vital role in the development of agriculture sector in Sindh. While the university has been producing thousands of agricultural scientists, the Sindh government has failed to create well-paying jobs for them. As a result, these scientists have left their field to seek other professions. It is the responsibility of the provincial government to open avenues for agricultural scientists.
While there is a dire need for our farmers to be made more aware about crops, their proper formation and time management in crop rotation, this is where agricultural scientists can play a key role. They can work on the capacity building of farmers. The government should start educational programmes for farmers — whose lack of education and training results in lower efficiency — while utilising the knowledge and expertise of agricultural scientists.
The government should also make comprehensive policies to create jobs for agricultural scientists at the Tehsil and union council level. These scientists can organise workshops and seminars at the grassroots level to spread awareness among farmers about new techniques. Consequently, farmers will be better informed and the agriculture sector will benefit.
Historically, the enormity of the agricultural problems in Pakistan has undoubtedly crippled the economy. In 1947, the agriculture sector’s contribution to the GDP was 53 per cent, which has shrunk to 21 per cent in 2018. The government has failed to strengthen this sector despite 45 per cent of our labour force being employed in it.
The irrigation system has also deteriorated, and inadequate scientific research has resulted in a very low average crop yield in Pakistan, in comparison with other countries. The government should build laboratories to conduct research work and a council should monitor them carefully. Moreover, land reforms have been implemented against the will of the people, and a pragmatic approach is required to fix it. All these problems can be solved by employing agricultural scientists as they can guide the agrarian community in the best manner.
Ishaque Junejo
Published in The Express Tribune, March 21st, 2019.
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