Over two dozen people have died in a bid to get free four and food in Punjab and Sindh. Prices have reached an alarmingly high and people find it difficult to make both ends meet. The situation would have been different if successive governments had not ignored the agriculture sector of the country. If the farming sector had been developed on modern lines, Pakistan’s economy would also have been far better than what it is today.

Almost every sector of the country has not been given due attention in the past but agriculture was deliberately ignored to pave the way for industrial development. However, the result is that both sectors are in disarray. Pakistan is a water-stressed country, and agriculture is the largest consumer of water. The country faces water scarcity due to various reasons, including low rainfall, climate change, and inefficient use of water resources.

Water scarcity is a significant challenge in Pakistan, and it has become a growing concern over the years. The demand for water is increasing due to population growth, urbanization, and industrialization, while water supply remains limited. Climate change, which has worsened in recent years, led to changes in rainfall patterns, melting of glaciers, and droughts, which have all impacted the availability of water.

Pakistan’s population has been growing rapidly, which has increased the demand for water for domestic, industrial, and agricultural use. The country has a low level of water use efficiency, with a high level of water wastage due to inefficient irrigation practices, lack of water conservation, and infrastructure problems.

Water pollution is a significant issue, particularly in urban areas, and it can lead to reduced water quality, health problems, and reduced availability of clean water. Water scarcity can have significant social, economic, and environmental implications for Pakistan. It can impact food security, public health, and economic growth, and lead to social unrest and political instability.

Soil degradation is another significant challenge in Pakistan, and it can lead to reduced agricultural productivity, lower yields, and reduced food security. Soil degradation can occur due to various reasons, including overuse of fertilizers and pesticides, erosion, and improper land use. Some of the main causes of soil degradation include overuse of fertilisers and pesticides. Many farmers in Pakistan use excessive amounts of fertilisers and pesticides, which can lead to soil degradation, reduced soil fertility, and groundwater pollution.

Soil erosion is another problem, particularly in hilly areas, due to deforestation, overgrazing, and improper land use. Waterlogging and salinization occur when the soil becomes saturated with water and salt, which can lead to reduced crop yields and land degradation. Land use change, such as converting forest land into agriculture land or urbanization, can lead to soil degradation, loss of soil fertility, and reduced biodiversity.

Many farmers still rely on traditional farming methods, and they lack access to modern technology, which can improve productivity, reduce costs, and increase yields. Pakistan has historically invested less in research and development, which has limited the development and adoption of modern technology.

Many farmers in Pakistan face challenges accessing credit, which can limit their ability to invest in modern technology and improve their operations. They also lack access to information and training on modern farming techniques, which can limit their ability to adopt new technology and improve their operations.

The country has limited infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, which can limit the adoption of modern technology, such as irrigation systems or modern machinery. The lack of modern technology can have significant social, economic, and environmental implications for Pakistan. It can impact agricultural productivity, reduce competitiveness, and limit economic growth.

Farmers in Pakistan do not have adequate collateral to secure loans from formal financial institutions, which limits their ability to access credit. The high transaction costs associated with small loans make it unprofitable for formal financial institutions to provide credit to small farmers. Most farmers lack the financial literacy necessary to navigate the formal financial system. Formal financial institutions may be hesitant to lend to small farmers due to the perception of risk associated with the agricultural sector.

Agriculture is one of the most important sectors in Pakistan’s economy, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP and employing a large portion of the population. However, neglect of the agricultural sector has seriously hurt the economy and food security. Neglect of the agricultural sector has led to a decline in crop yields, which can cause food shortages and lead to malnutrition.

The agricultural sector is a major contributor to Pakistan’s economy. Neglect of the sector has led to a decline in crop yields, which resulted in economic losses for farmers and the country as a whole. The majority of Pakistan’s population lives in rural areas and depends on agriculture for their livelihoods. Rural poverty has increased after employment opportunities have decreased in the sector. This has resulted in urban overcrowding, unemployment, and poverty.

The Pakistani government has taken several measures to address the lack of modern technology, including investing in research and development, promoting access to credit, providing information and training to farmers, and investing in infrastructure. However, these measures require sustained efforts, investment, and long-term planning to achieve a significant impact on the lack of modern technology in Pakistan.

Overall, neglect of the agricultural sector can have serious consequences for the country’s economy, environment, and food security. Therefore, it is important for the government and other stakeholders to invest in the sector and take measures to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability.