Dr Abdul Waheed Mastoi
As an agricultural country, Pakistan’s economy heavily relies on this vital sector. Agriculture provides employment opportunities to a vast majority of the population, making it essential to focus on its development to improve the country’s economic situation. To bring agriculture in Pakistan up to modern standards, it is crucial to make barren land cultivable and create employment opportunities. This is where the “Green Pakistan Initiative” comes in–a significant project announced in 2023 to revolutionize agriculture in the country with the support of the Pakistan Army.
The credit for conceptualizing and driving the Green Pakistan initiative goes to Army Chief General Asim Munir. His vision and leadership have been instrumental in turning this dream into a reality.
The first phase of the project saw the installation of 40 solar tube wells, irrigating 800 hectares of land in November and December 2023. This led to the cultivation of 80% wheat and 20% watermelon on this land, setting the stage for future growth.
In the second phase, 83 solar tube wells were installed to support 1660 hectares of land, further expanding the initiative’s reach and impact. This marks a significant step towards transforming Pakistan’s agricultural landscape and achieving the goals of the Green Pakistan Initiative.
Initially, the project aimed to cover 1200 hectares of land, but due to the enthusiasm and demand from local communities, additional solar tube wells were installed, expanding the scope to benefit more farmers. As a result, the initiative now supports the cultivation of 10% onion and 65% cotton crops.
To date, 123 solar tube wells have been installed, benefiting over 110 families in South Balochistan across the first and second phases. This collaborative effort is made possible by FC Balochistan (South) and FFC Sukkur.
In August 2024, FC Balochistan (South) will begin supplying fertilizers to local farmers as needed. Additionally, the organization has consistently delivered public services, including:
– Land leveling
– Solar tube well installation
– Well digging
– Cultivation assistance
– Subsidized fertilizers from FFC
FC Balochistan (South) remains committed to supporting local farmers and communities, ensuring the success and sustainability of the Green Pakistan Initiative.
In addition to the existing initiatives, three to four agriculture malls are under construction in Turbat, Panjgur, Awaran, and Khuzdar. These facilities will provide local farmers with access to:
– Fertilizers and seeds
– Pesticides
– Technical expertise and advisory services
– Machinery rental services
– Drone technology and spray machines
A cotton ginning factory is also being set up in South Balochistan, with the feasibility process currently underway.
This mega project aims to harness the agricultural skills of local populations and address their interests. By implementing this initiative in the tehsils of South Balochistan, including Mand, Balida, Turbat, Hoshab, Panjgur, and Kharan, the project seeks to:
– Benefit a larger number of people
– Eliminate unemployment
– Promote economic growth and development
By investing in agricultural infrastructure and providing essential resources, this project is poised to transform the lives of local communities and drive prosperity in the region.
The Green Initiative Pakistan Program is a groundbreaking effort aimed at stimulating socio-economic development and economic activities in the region. By providing alternative sources of employment, the program seeks to reduce the reliance on the diesel business and alleviate the burden on the national exchequer.
Already, over 110 families have benefited from the second phase of the project, which spans an area of 2600 hectares in the desert region. This is just the beginning, as the program is expected to reach even greater heights.
By 2027, the program aims to empower 1500 families through its innovative initiatives, bringing prosperity and growth to the region. This pilot project is poised to serve as a model for future development endeavors, showcasing the potential for sustainable growth and positive change.
Through its comprehensive approach, the Green Initiative Pakistan Program is set to transform lives, landscapes, and the economy, paving the way for a brighter future.
The following details outline the plans and expenditure for cultivation under the Green Pakistan Initiative program in the fiscal year 2024-2025:
Cultivation Plans and Expenditure by Region:
1. Dasht:
– Cultivated land: 12,400 hectares
– Expenditure: 1660 million
2. Panjgur:
– Cultivated land: 10,000 hectares
– Expenditure: 1560 million
3. Mand:
– Cultivated land: 2,000 hectares
– Expenditure: 312 million
4. Balida:
– Cultivated land: 2,000 hectares
– Expenditure: 312 million
5. Hoshab:
– Cultivated land: 500 hectares
– Expenditure: 78 million
Total:
– Cultivated land: 27,400 hectares
– Expenditure: 4,000 million
This comprehensive plan aims to bring significant socio-economic development and economic activities to the region, while reducing the burden on the national exchequer. As part of the Green Initiative Pakistan Programme, significant investments will be made to upgrade existing research centers and support farmers in Dasht and Panjgur. The key allocations include:
Upgrading Research Centers:
– Approximately 200 million will be spent on modernizing research centers in Dasht and Panjgur, enhancing their capacity to drive innovation and improvement in agricultural practices.
Farmer Support:
– Around 500 million will be allocated for the purchase of tractors and machinery, made available to farmers in easy installments, facilitating mechanized farming and increased productivity.
– Timely supply of pesticides at discounted rates, ensuring farmers have access to essential inputs.
– Market access for fruits and vegetables, along with necessary supplies, will be an integral part of the program, enabling farmers to reach wider markets and improve their livelihoods.
These initiatives aim to create a holistic support system for farmers, driving sustainable growth and development in the agricultural sector.
At the launch of the Green Pakistan Initiative, local farmers expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Pakistan Army and FC Balochistan (South) for their invaluable services. They acknowledged that, previously, they were unable to cultivate their lands due to various challenges.
However, with the support of the Pakistan Army and FC Balochistan (South), they have been provided with essential resources, including fertilizers. This has not only enabled them to cultivate their lands but also reversed the trend of migration, as people are now returning to their areas due to the availability of employment opportunities.
The farmers praised the Pakistan Army and FC Balochistan (South) for their role in accelerating development in the region, bringing joy and prosperity to the local population. The participation of the Pakistan Army is a key factor in ensuring the success of the Green Pakistan Initiative, and their contributions are deeply appreciated by the local community. This collaborative effort has transformed the lives of local farmers, providing them with a sense of hope and prosperity, and paving the way for a brighter future.
Stakeholders in Pakistan’s agriculture sector widely regard the Green Pakistan Initiative as a vital program. Experts believe that adopting modern methods in this project will not only revitalize barren land but also yield significant benefits for the country as a whole. The visionary mission spearheaded by the Army Chief to transform desolate terrain into fertile fields is precisely what Pakistan needs to prosper. This initiative aligns with the nation’s aspirations for growth and development.
