Agriculture sector

Letter April 25, 2020
The government should understand that agricultural reforms are essential for the rejuvenation of the economy

HYDERABAD: Agriculture is perhaps one of the most important enterprises in the world, despite growing industrialisation and globalisation. It is considered as one of the oldest activities or methods through which mankind produce crops and rear livestock. The agriculture sector was the pivot on which a nation would thrive. Since then, its role still hasn’t been diminished, rather it caters to the economic sector that now dominates the hierarchy. The role of agriculture in every country’s economy is of utmost significance. Without improving this sector no country can reach its true potential.

The agriculture sector is considered to be the backbone of the Pakistani economy. Our exports rely on the textile industry, and the textile industry relies on the agriculture sector as the former depends on cotton and silk production. The Pakistani economy has witnessed many ups and downs, but sadly no permanent solution has been found to resolve the core issues that our agriculture sector is facing. Our farmers still rely on old traditional methods that our ancestors have perfected over the years. However, in the modern age these irrigation systems still lack the push of science and technology if we are to compete in the international market. If education and technology were to be provided to these poor farmers, it would have a fruitful impact on agricultural awareness.

The government should understand that agricultural reforms are essential for the rejuvenation of the economy. Building dams, improving canal systems, introducing modern irrigation techniques, changing land reforms and injecting fresh capital into agriculture are some of the key steps that the government should focus on. Serious attention towards this sector will help alleviate poverty by providing jobs to the poor, while simultaneously adding to the country’s GDP. Ignoring this further will pose a serious threat to country’s overall economic well-being.

Muhammad Shahram Bhutto

Published in The Express Tribune, April 25th, 2020.

Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.