Challenges for small farmers

LAHORE: Low landholding has emerged as a major challenge in the rural regions of Pakistan. In 1990, the average landholding in the country was approximately five hectares (12.4 acres). Today, that figure has shrunk to around three hectares (7.4 acres).

This decline is compounded by significant land inequality. While a few large landlords control the majority of the land, many smallholders now own less than one hectare. For rural populations heavily reliant on agriculture, high fertility rates and the division of family land among heirs have led to increasingly smaller farm sizes, leaving many families in economic distress as alternative income sources remain scarce.

In addition to inheritance practices, urbanisation has contributed to the problem, with agricultural land being converted into housing and commercial developments. Land fragmentation is another persistent issue, further exacerbated over time. Fragmentation divides agricultural land into smaller, non-contiguous parcels, often owned or operated by the same farmer. This scattered arrangement disrupts efficiency and productivity.

Small landholdings struggle to achieve economies of scale, severely affecting agricultural productivity. Farmers operating on small plots often cannot afford modern machinery or technology, making their operations less efficient compared to larger farms. The high cost of production per unit for smallholders reduces profitability and competitiveness.

Financial constraints limit access to essential inputs like quality seeds, fertilisers and irrigation systems. Many smallholders also face challenges in securing credit or government subsidies. Consequently, they are less likely to adopt advanced technologies such as precision agriculture or modern irrigation systems, relying instead on traditional, less productive methods.

Fragmented plots further add to inefficiencies, as farmers lose time and resources travelling between scattered parcels of land. These issues leave smallholders especially vulnerable to crop failures, market volatility, and pest attacks, as they lack the resources to mitigate such risks.

Climate change disproportionately affects smallholders compared to large landholders. Limited financial resources prevent small farmers from investing in adaptive measures such as drought-resistant crops, efficient irrigation systems or crop insurance. Many smallholders cultivate a single crop, making them highly susceptible to climate shocks.

Small farms also rely heavily on erratic rainfall due to a lack of reliable irrigation systems. Climate-induced land degradation worsens their plight, as they cannot afford soil restoration measures. As a result, extreme weather events often lead to food insecurity and economic hardships for smallholder families.

In contrast, large landholders are better equipped to manage climate risks, thanks to greater access to capital, technology and infrastructure. They are more likely to adopt climate-smart practices like water-efficient irrigation, greenhouse farming, and diversified cropping, helping them mitigate localised climate impacts effectively.

Experts emphasise the urgent need to engage rural youth, most of whom are under the age of 30, in productive activities. With limited income opportunities from farming, many are at risk of drifting towards illegal or unproductive paths.

Policymakers must address this growing aspiration gap -- the disparity between what individuals hope to achieve and the opportunities available in their communities. Establishing agro-based industries in rural areas could provide hope and sustainable livelihoods for young farmers.

Planners must recognise the unique challenges of our young population, which will require meaningful employment opportunities in the coming years. Bridging the aspirations gap will not only secure the future of rural communities but also strengthen the nation’s agricultural backbone.