'Mechanisation key to food security amid shrinking farmland'

Former livestock minister urges modern farming practices during university team's visit to model farm

FAISALABAD:

Amid shrinking agricultural land, low per-acre productivity and rising food security concerns, the promotion of farm mechanisation and adoption of modern agricultural practices have become imperative to feed Pakistan's rapidly growing population, former Punjab Livestock Minister Mumtaz Khan Manais said on Sunday.

He was speaking to a delegation of experts from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), led by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali, during their visit to his model farms in Tibba Sultanpur, Vehari.

The delegation toured citrus orchards, cotton, onion and wheat fields, livestock units, fisheries facilities and biogas plants, observing the integration of modern farming techniques.

Manais expressed concern that the younger generation, particularly farmers' sons, is increasingly reluctant to pursue agriculture as a profession.

He said mechanisation was the way forward to conserve resources, enhance productivity and effectively tackle pest-related challenges.

He urged agricultural experts to propose practical and implementable policy recommendations that could steer the sector towards sustainable growth.

He also stressed the need for hands-on field training for students of agricultural sciences to help them better understand farmers' challenges.

"Pakistan is blessed with four distinct seasons, yet we have failed to fully tap this potential," he said.

Highlighting the importance of the livestock sector, Manais said it had the capacity to significantly support the national economy.

He noted that the global halal meat market was valued at around $300 billion, while Pakistan's share stood at a mere $300 million, underscoring vast untapped opportunities.

Speaking on the occasion, UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Zulfiqar Ali termed the Manais farm a role model for the farming community, based on mechanisation and the application of modern practices.

He said agriculture remained the backbone of Pakistan's economy, contributing around 23 percent to the GDP.

"The decline in agricultural land and deteriorating soil health demand innovative interventions to meet the food requirements of an increasing population," he said, adding that modern practices could not only raise productivity but also make agriculture a profitable venture.

He lauded government initiatives aimed at resolving farmers' issues and promoting agricultural development.

Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali reaffirmed UAF's commitment to ensuring food security through applied research, technology development, trained human resource production and effective outreach.

The visiting team, comprising senior faculty members and researchers, appreciated the advanced farming methods adopted at the Manais model farm and described it as a practical example of sustainable and modern agriculture.