7th agricultural census launched in province

LAHORE: Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, representing Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, inaugurated the field operations for the 7th Agricultural Census 2024 during a formal ceremony held at the Chief Minister’s House.

Speaking at the occasion, the minister announced the launch of the census in collaboration with the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. The census, titled ‘Integrated Digital Count,’ marks a significant step toward leveraging digital technology to gather comprehensive data on Punjab’s agricultural resources. Using the Geographical Information System (GIS), real-time monitoring will ensure accuracy and transparency in the data collection process.

This census, scheduled from January 1 to February 10, 2025, will focus on collecting data on agricultural lands, crops, livestock, and machinery. The innovative digital approach aims to modernise the agricultural sector, address existing challenges, and enhance policy-making for sustainable development.

The minister emphasised Punjab’s critical role in Pakistan’s agriculture, highlighting its 29.4 million acres of cultivated land. He noted that agriculture contributes 24% to Punjab's GDP and provides livelihoods to millions of farmers. The census data will enable more effective use of agricultural resources and guide the formulation of policies to support farmers’ welfare and productivity improvements.

‘This initiative is a milestone in Punjab’s journey toward agricultural modernisation,’ said the minister. ‘The Punjab government, under the leadership of CM Maryam Nawaz, is fully committed to the success of this project and will extend all necessary support to achieve its objectives.’