Pakistan (Commonwealth Union)_ Pakistan, an agrarian economy historically known for its lush green fields and robust agriculture sector, faces significant challenges that threaten its agricultural sustainability. Contributing approximately 23 percent to the nation’s GDP and employing over 37 percent of its workforce, agriculture is indeed the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. However, this crucial sector is now under pressure due to several critical issues, including an acute water crisis, diminishing arable land, and suboptimal land productivity. These challenges have led to a steep rise in agricultural imports, which now exceed US$10 billion. Additionally, the World Food Programme (WFP) reveals that nearly 37 percent of Pakistan’s population remains food insecure, a situation exacerbated by the catastrophic floods of 2022.
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In response to these pressing issues, the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research convened on Monday to explore the Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI), spearheaded by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). This initiative is poised to address the sector’s myriad challenges through modernization and sustainable practices. During the meeting held at the Green Pakistan Initiative office in Rawalpindi, committee members received a detailed briefing on the GPI’s strategic vision and its pivotal role in transforming Pakistan’s agriculture and livestock sectors. The briefing was attended by notable Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) including Rasheed Ahmad Khan, Rana Muhammad Hayat Khan, Musarrat Asif Khawaja, Chaudhary Iftikhar Nazir, Kesoo Mal Kheal Das, Zulfiqar Ali Behan, and Makhdoom Zain Hussain Qureshi.
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The committee’s discussions highlighted the GPI’s comprehensive approach to revolutionizing the agriculture sector. Central to the initiative are modern farming practices such as precision agriculture, optimized fertilizer management, and advanced irrigation techniques. These innovations aim to significantly enhance crop yields, reduce the country’s reliance on food grain imports, and bolster agricultural exports. By focusing on sustainable agriculture, the GPI seeks to address immediate climate change impacts and resource constraints while laying a foundation for long-term food security.
One of the key aspects of the GPI’s approach is the empowerment of local farmers through access to cutting-edge technologies and resources. These technologies are tailored to meet the diverse needs of Pakistan’s agricultural regions, ensuring that farmers can achieve better yields and contribute to a sustainable farming future. The GPI’s commitment to Climate Smart Agriculture practices underscores its dedication to both current and future agricultural resilience. Furthermore, the briefing also underscored the GPI’s future plans, which include a series of projects aimed at further modernizing the sector. These initiatives will focus on developing innovative farming techniques, expanding support services for farmers, and promoting eco-friendly agricultural practices. The standing committee reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating closely with the Green Pakistan Initiative to ensure that agriculture remains a vital component of the national economy and a cornerstone of national food security.
Earlier, the Green Pakistan Initiative gained momentum with the involvement of the Pakistan Army, which has been instrumental in the initiative’s launch. Under the scheme, the government plans to enhance agricultural production and reduce food insecurity by providing farmers with improved facilities, including easier access to loans and the adoption of best practices. Accordingly, the Pakistan Army has also developed the Land Information and Management System (LIMS) to modernize the sector by reclaiming uncultivated and barren lands across the country. This system aims to offer real-time guidance on weather conditions, irrigation techniques, crop yields, and modern technologies to the farming community.
The Army’s proposed plan includes the construction of a new network of irrigation canals designed to reclaim over nine million hectares of uncultivated wasteland, thereby boosting socio-economic development. The Green Pakistan Initiative’s deals are facilitated through a newly-established economic council, co-led by the army and focused on attracting foreign direct investment. The project is particularly targeting capital from Middle Eastern nations reliant on food imports. Following its inauguration by former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in July, the initiative seeks significant investment from Gulf countries to jumpstart its objectives. Accordingly, in the near term, the GPI aims to enhance productivity, reduce imports, and encourage surplus exports of staple crops. Furthermore, as part of the South Asian nation’s green revolution strategy, the Green Pakistan Initiative represents a strategic effort to modernize and sustain Pakistan’s agriculture sector amidst a backdrop of significant challenges. By integrating advanced technologies and fostering international investment, the initiative aspires to rejuvenate the country’s agricultural landscape and secure food security for future generations.
