By Syed Samiullah
Pakistan, formerly a leading exporter of agricultural products, is currently facing economic stress due to increasing agriculture-related imports. According to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, food imports reached at US$ 9,015.86 million during Fiscal Year 2022. The alarming food insecurity situation, with nearly 37% of Pakistanis being food insecure and 18.3% facing a severe food crisis, calls for urgent measures.
The Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI) is thus a valuable endeavor to address these challenges and potentially revolutionize the agricultural sector. The initiative is intended to leverage expertise, resources, and technology to improve agricultural practices and ensure food security.
By granting access to state land for Modern Agro Farming, attracting investment, and promoting innovation, the initiative aims to create job opportunities and contribute to economic growth. In this initiative Pakistan Army is side by side with the government. The Information and Management System (LIMS) and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) have been established to assist the government in consolidating uncultivated land, implementing modern farming practices, and utilizing advanced agricultural management practices.
These initiatives are expected to provide real-time information on land, crops, weather, water resources, and pests, enabling informed decision-making and timely interventions. Efforts are also underway to expedite strategic irrigation projects and adopt high-efficiency irrigation techniques.
Countries such as Saudi Arabia, China, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and organizations including Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have shown their interest to invest in the sector and assist Pakistan on the basis of mutual-gains approach in making the country food basket especially for the Gulf States which import food products of more than US$ 40 billion.
The success of these initiatives, however, relies on strong support from the nation and addressing challenges such as rising production costs, infrastructure gaps, and hostile lobbies. The potential benefits of the Green Pakistan Initiative are significant, including job creation, poverty reduction, enhanced food security, increased exports, and decreased agriculture-related imports.
The agricultural sector, with its fertile land, extensive irrigation network, affordable labor force, and favorable climatic conditions, holds immense potential for Pakistan’s economic progress and prosperity. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, agriculture constitutes approximately 24 percent of GDP, employs half of the labor force, and represents the largest source of foreign exchange earnings.
To maximize the potential of Pakistan’s agricultural sector, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) could be given a prominent role under the notion of Green Pakistan Initiative. With extensive experience and a successful track record, the PAEC has excelled in increasing crop production, improving seed quality, enhancing soil fertility, protecting crops from pests and diseases, upgrading irrigation systems, and converting barren land into fertile areas all around Pakistan.
Under the PAEC’s umbrella, four renowned institutions are actively promoting agriculture: the Nuclear Institute for Agriculture (NIA), the Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), the Nuclear Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), and the National Institute for Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering (NIBGE).
NIA, established in Tando Jam in 1963 and upgraded in 1998, conducts scientific activities in the fields of Plant Breeding & Genetics, Plant Protection, Soil Science, and Plant Physiology, with a focus on Wheat, rice, cotton, and sugar.
Similarly NIAB, established in Faisalabad in 1972 under the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, utilizes nuclear and related techniques for research on agriculture and biology, aiming to create and maintain new genetic material for sustainable agricultural development.
In the same way, NIFA, founded in Peshawar in 1982, focuses on developing improved techniques to increase crop yields and extend storage life using nuclear and relevant technologies. Moreover, NIBGE, have been operated since 1994 in Faisalabad, specializes in agricultural biotechnology and has made advancements in understanding the molecular relationship between Gemini viruses and cotton leaf curl disease.
Notably, they have developed genetically modified crops (about 132 yet), insect and disease-resistant cotton varieties, and bio fertilizers called Bio Power, which enhance crop yields by reducing chemical fertilizer use. By involving the PAEC and capitalizing on the institutions’ decades-long experience and achievements, Pakistan can not only achieve the objectives of the Green Pakistan Initiative but also witness a revival in the agricultural and economic sectors in the near future.
The agricultural sector in Pakistan holds immense potential for economic progress and prosperity, with its fertile land, extensive irrigation network, affordable labor force, and favorable climate. However, to fully harness this potential, it is crucial to address challenges such as rising production costs, inadequate infrastructure, and vested interests.
Collaborative efforts with the PAEC can lead to expanding forest cover, conserving water resources, and promoting economic growth and food security. Foreign investment, particularly in innovative technologies like drip irrigation and improved seed varieties, can significantly enhance agricultural productivity.
Additionally, investments in rural infrastructure, post-harvest handling, and research and development are vital for sustainable growth. Despite the sector’s significant contribution to Pakistan’s economy, food insecurity remains a pressing issue.
Therefore, collaborative initiatives aim to boost exports and make Pakistan self-reliant in terms of its economy and food production, ultimately benefiting the market and industries. In conclusion, Pakistan’s Green Pakistan Initiative holds colossal potential for transforming the country’s agricultural sector, ensuring food security, and fostering economic growth. By involving the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission and leveraging its expertise through institutions like NIA, NIAB, NIFA, and NIBGE, Pakistan can tap into their experience and achievements to drive advancements in crop production, genetic improvement, pest control, and soil fertility.
This, coupled with strategic investments, infrastructure development, and research and development, can pave the way for sustainable growth, enhanced food security, and economic prosperity in Pakistan. The collaborative efforts of the government, Pakistan Army, and international partners will be crucial in realizing the objectives of the Green Pakistan Initiative and establishing Pakistan as a self-reliant nation in terms of both economy and food production.
The author is Research Officer at Rabita Forum International.