‘Critically low agricultural productivity requires immediate attention’

ISLAMABAD: Agricultural productivity in Pakistan remains critically low, raising concerns that require immediate attention from both the government and the private sector. This was stated by agriculture expert Khan Faraz, while talking to media here on Saturday.

Investments in agricultural research and development, particularly in the production of better-quality seeds, are essential to addressing this pressing issue. With global food security emerging as a critical concern, Pakistan must take concrete steps to ensure that its agricultural sector is bolstered.

He further said that the recent establishment of the National Seed Regulatory Authority reflects a promising commitment to this cause. The authority has initiated stringent measures to control counterfeit seeds, including introducing a track-and-trace system to certify the authenticity of seeds. On the fertilizer front, shortages have been successfully averted, and prices have been kept in check, ensuring accessibility for farmers.

Khan Faraz said that agriculture serves as the backbone of Pakistan's economy, contributing about 25 percent of the national GDP and major contributor after textile sector in export earnings. However, the country faces serious challenges related to food security. Per-acre crop yields remain significantly lower in comparison to regional neighbours, and the production of staples like wheat, rice, and cotton has declined compared to the previous year. If unaddressed, these issues could severely impact Pakistan’s economic stability and food availability for its growing population, Khan Faraz added.

In light of these challenges, the importance of urgent and targeted efforts to enhance agricultural productivity cannot be overstated. Collaboration between the government, research institutions, and private sector stakeholders is crucial to revitalize Pakistan’s agriculture and overcome the looming threat to food security, he added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025