Sir: Agriculture holds a significant importance in a developing a country’s economy. Developing countries spend the most on agriculture knowing that it is the central factor to their economic progress. Other than boosting economic growth, it creates employment opportunities for people. Pakistan has a large area suitable for agricultural purposes, but the land is properly utilised in the province of Punjab only. Rest of the provinces are not making much effort for the sector. At the time of independence, Pakistan’s economy was on par with that of India. But now, Pakistan lags way behind India as Pakistan didn’t pay much heed to the agricultural sector whereas India provided special incentives to the sector which contributed to the growth of their economy. This speaks volumes of the failure of leaders and policymakers of Pakistan. Lack of accountability of the leaders and lawmakers hurt the country terribly, resulting in turmoil the country faces today. Pakistan is one of the largest rice producing countries. But its share of exports internationally is meagre as compared to its competitors. Lack of a proper trade policy and incentives to the agricultural sector has resulted in a stunted growth in the economy. Pakistan doesn’t need to look beyond India for the agricultural policies and how it contributed to its rise as an economic giant. For the development of agriculture sector, there are some necessary steps needed to be taken on the part of the Pakistani government. There is an urgent need to construct dams, special incentives for farmers including cheap electricity, latest machinery, seeds and fertilisers. Sadly, the current government has not bothered to assist the sector to boost the agricultural growth. Farmers work day and night but are rewarded with small returns. Through this esteemed paper, I want to raise my voice to the government authorities to look into the plight of the sector seriously and make efforts to boost economic growth. NASEEM BRAHIM Kech