Sir: Agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. As much as 48 percent of the labour force is directly engaged with this sector, and around 70 percent of the total population relates to the agriculture market directly or indirectly. It also has a GDP contribution of approximately 25 percent, higher than any other sector.
Recently, the Punjab government has introduced special packages for farmers worth 100 billion rupees to improve their financial condition. Farming tools such as land leveller, rotator and other agricultural tools will be given to farmers on subsidised rates. The announcement comes as a relief for the farmers. Moreover, soft term interest-free loans will also be given to farmers for Rabi and Kharif crops. Researchers are also finding new ways of increasing the yield per acre.
Because of the evident importance of the agriculture sector of Pakistan, it is important to adopt new techniques for improvement of yield consistently. The steps taken by the government are appreciable. Being an agricultural economy, the focus of the government should be the agriculture sector. Other sectors should only be prioritised after a certain threshold has been crossed.
SHANZEY MUSTAFA
Lahore