Anjum Nisar wants revitalizing agri sector as yield lags behind global target
\n Islamabad
\nThe Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry\u2019s Businessmen Panel (BMP) has asked the government to revitalize agricultural sector through innovation and sustainable development as the production had fallen so low that Pakistan had become an importer, while neighbouring countries had progressed in crop yields, which is shameful for us.
\nFPCCI former president and Businessmen Panel (BMP) Chairman Mian Anjum Nisar highlighted that Pakistan\u2019s per-acre agricultural yield especially for wheat, sugarcane, and cotton lagged behind global benchmarks due to poor seed quality, inefficient water use, and substandard agricultural practices.
\nHe highlighted the need to increase both domestic and foreign investment in the agri-sector, while also strengthening the role of financial institutions and facilitating agricultural loans.
\nHe called for a transparent regulatory framework with increased involvement of experts, farmers, and relevant stakeholders in policymaking processes to ensure long-term success.
\nAnjum Nisar said that Pakistan has fertile land, capable agricultural engineers, and hardworking farmers. Other than climate challenges, we have all the ingredients for success. Real growth and progress in this sector can only come through science-led strategies.
\nAnjum Nisar called for tapping into the talent of young professionals and researchers, while leveraging the wisdom of experienced experts to guide the process.
\nReferring to 65% of Pakistan\u2019s rural population, he stressed the need to provide meaningful opportunities to rural youth, particularly in agri-tech and entrepreneurship.
\nHe noted the absence of patronage for local agri-machinery manufacturers and service companies supporting small farmers, urging that these be brought into a systematic framework.
\nWe must learn from past neglect and embrace a comprehensive, inclusive strategy to move forward,\u201d he stated, lamenting the lack of off-season storage facilities and value addition plants that could create jobs and reduce food wastage.
\nHe called for the formation of working committees on five critical sectors to submit actionable recommendations, as this should be chance to revive Pakistan\u2019s agri-economy with the help of our young minds, scientific knowledge, and collective commitment. Let\u2019s not waste any more time,\u201d he said.
\nHe agreed on several priority areas requiring urgent attention mainly technological integration as proposals were floated to improve digital access in rural areas through better smartphone and internet availability, creating a central database for farmers and incorporating blockchain and QR code systems for input delivery to boost transparency and efficiency.
\nHe also emphasized on improving soil fertility and encouraging research to promote nutritious, high-yield crop production. Public-private training programs should be proposed to enhance farmers\u2019 skills, whereas the participants stressed upgrading existing agricultural markets, developing new infrastructure, and ensuring widespread availability of modern equipment to enhance productivity.
\nHe also highlighted that while some institutions are now producing agricultural machinery domestically, previous reliance on imports such as combine harvesters slowed progress.
\nHe said that the government would prioritise feedback from stakeholders to shape a strategic framework aimed at improving agricultural output and resilience.
\nHe particularly lambasted the bureaucracy\u2019s past failures, pointing to poorly managed service companies meant to support small farmers that ended up doing little more than collecting dust.
\nHe also underlined the importance of promoting agricultural cottage industries, supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and improving crop storage infrastructure.
\n\u201cThere is a clear gap in off-season crop storage and small-scale value-addition plants, he said, adding that these could generate employment opportunities for rural youth and boost exports.
\nHe proposed targeted reforms, which include improved water management systems, promotion of nutrient-rich crops using modern scientific methods, expansion of public-private training programmes for farmers, digitisation of agriculture through enhanced internet access in rural areas and creation of a centralised database for farmers.
\nHe also recommended focused research on soil fertility and modern extension services, while emphasising the need for mechanized farming and enhanced market infrastructure.
\nImproving access to agricultural finance and making institutional credit more accessible were also cited as priorities.
\nBusinessmen Panel leader asked the government that its strategies should not only focus on short-term gains but also encompass a long-term vision for sustained progress, focusing the national economic agenda, giving priority to address the issues of trade and industry in consultation with the business community which is the key stakeholder.
\nMian Anjum Nisar observed emphasised that such transparency from the government is crucial for instilling confidence in the business community and investors, as Pakistan, with all its resources and opportunities, cannot afford to continue to muddle through economically due to political polarisation. The FPCCI former president observed that Pakistan requires a political consensus on economic policy. Freeing the country from its economic calamities should not be a matter of party affiliation, but a common task for all political actors who want to see Pakistan flourish.
\nHe observed that the country has had trouble raising enough money to cover its expenses. Due to the low tax-to-GDP ratio, borrowing and outside help are heavily relied upon to close the fiscal imbalance. There is a recurring budget deficit because the government spends more than it takes in. The national debt burden has risen, as a result, needing substantial financial resources for debt repayment. Both internal and external debt in Pakistan has been constantly rising.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Anjum Nisar wants revitalizing agri sector as yield lags behind global target Islamabad The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry\u2019s Businessmen Panel (BMP) has asked the government to revitalize agricultural sector through innovation and sustainable development as the production had fallen so low that Pakistan had become an importer, while neighbouring countries had […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-473695","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-business"},"yoast_head":"\n