Financial assistance may overcome long-term structural issues but it does not by any means offer a permanent solution
KARACHI: The agriculture sector is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, but its share in GDP is declining. Not only does it provide employment to 40% of the labour force, it is also a source of raw material for manufactured goods and locally-made industrial products such as tractors, fertilisers, and pesticides. Over the years, the lack of effective policymaking by successive governments in the domains of farm mechanisation, research and development, irrigation facilities, and storage capacities has led to the wastage of perishable items. The situation now poses a grave risk to national food security and the economic wellbeing of the country. External factors such as climate change and locust attacks have further aggravated the situation.
Even though the government has approved a Rs50 million relief package to the farmers and subsidised farm accessories and equipment, throwing money at the problem may not eliminate the root cause. Financial assistance may overcome the long-term structural issues in the agricultural sector but it does not by any means offer a permanent solution. Therefore, the best way forward is that the government tweak and synergise its policies in such a way that, apart from creating agricultural awareness, farmers are easily able to purchase and sell products at the right price. This will in turn encourage competition and foster productivity.
Hadia Mukhtar
Published in The Express Tribune, June 4th, 2020.
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