Smooth ‘high-value’ transition

Many policymakers believe that the agriculture sector should shift its focus to high-value crop to double the revenue generated through agricultural products. The policymakers discussed this during the business summit, ‘Leaders in Islamabad Business Summit 2018’, which was held on March 15, 2018. The authorities concerned are thinking in the right direction since this shift from traditional crop will not only help earn huge foreign exchange, but will also change the fate of farmers and other people connected with the agriculture sector.

At present, the government has to pay huge subsidy on the export of surplus sugar and wheat. Therefore, it is essential that the authorities concerned focus on producing high-quality cotton and other high-value crop, including edible oils and pulses. There is a strong need to devise and implement a vibrant policy aimed at shifting from traditional crop to high-value crop to earn the much-needed foreign exchange for the country. This will also save the foreign exchange spent on food items especially edible oils.

Khan Faraz ( Peshawar )