Arooj Zulfiqar

As Pakistan grapples with the twin challenges of securing food security and agricultural sustainability, experts are increasingly calling for substantial investments in research and development (R&D) to enhance crop varieties, bolster disease resistance and maximise yields.

Talking to WealthPK, Irshad Khan Abbasi, Head of Innovation and Integration, Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund, said, “More research in the agricultural sector is required to boost output, lower imports of agricultural products and improve the living standard of farmers.” “In the vast majority of developing countries, agriculture is a key component of the economy and a powerful growth engine. Since Pakistan is primarily an agricultural economy, agriculture is one of the main sources of national income and employment. The agriculture industry engages the largest portion of the population, either directly or indirectly,” he pointed out. According to him, major crops such as cotton, wheat, rice, sugarcane, fruits and vegetables can generate significant foreign exchange for the country. “Pakistan has a well-integrated agriculture sector as part of the semi-industrialised economy.

Investing in agricultural R&D is crucial for developing new crop varieties that are more resilient to diseases and adverse environmental conditions,” Dr Anwar, an agriculture expert at the Ministry of Planning and Development, emphasised. Highlighting the importance of R&D, he said, “Innovations in crop breeding and biotechnology can significantly enhance our agricultural output, making our food systems more sustainable and resilient." “Countries like China have demonstrated the transformative impact of R&D on agriculture. Through sustained investment in R&D, they have developed high-yield, disease-resistant crop varieties that have substantially increased food production and farmer incomes. By following a similar path, Pakistan can not only achieve self-sufficiency in staple crops but also become a competitive player in the global agricultural market,” he elaborated. Anwar said, “The Pakistani government has recognised the importance of R&D in agriculture and has initiated several programmes to support this endeavour. However, more needs to be done to ensure the effective implementation and scaling of these initiatives.”

Public-private partnerships can play a crucial role in accelerating agricultural R&D. To realise the full potential of R&D in agriculture, Pakistan needs a comprehensive strategy that includes increased funding, capacity building, infrastructure development, and policy support. M Azeem Tariq, a senior scientific officer at the National Agricultural Research Centre, underscored the urgency of these measures. “Without significant investment in R&D, our agriculture sector will struggle to keep pace with global advancements. We need to act now to secure our food future," he told WealthPK. “Prioritising R&D is essential for developing disease-resistant crops and maximising yields. By investing in innovative agricultural practices and technologies, Pakistan can overcome current challenges, achieve food security, and drive economic growth. The path forward requires a concerted effort from the government, private sector and the research community to create a sustainable and prosperous agricultural future for the nation,” he said.

Credit: INP-WealthPk