Modern farming

The agro-economy remains the backbone of Pakistan’s financial system, contributing approximately 19 per cent to the national GDP. Despite this significance, the country’s farming practices remain outdated and inefficient. Most farmers still rely on conventional and obsolete methods of irrigation, such as flood irrigation, which leads to water wastage, low crop yields and soil degradation. This inefficiency results in poor productivity, making it difficult for farmers to meet the demands of a growing population or compete in global markets.

To tackle these challenges, awareness and training must be prioritised. Public-private partnerships must step forward to organise awareness seminars and capacity-building workshops at the grassroots level. These events can play a pivotal role in educating farmers about modern irrigation techniques like drip irrigation, sprinkler systems and the use of climate-smart agriculture which significantly enhance productivity and water conservation. By adopting targeted research and innovation across all agricultural sectors, the country can not only ensure food security but also boost its exports, thus strengthening its economy. Agricultural universities and stakeholders must rise to the occasion to modernise the sector through education, research and field implementation.

Sajjad Hussain Cheehani

Khairpur Mirs