Arooj Zulfiqar

Balochistan province, “the Fruit Basket of Pakistan”, with its untapped potential, will become a granary for Pakistan. “In order to attain sustainability, self-sufficiency, and agricultural splendour, the department of agriculture needs to develop its vision while taking into account the potential of the province,” said Haji Abdul Rahman Bazai, Secretary General Balochistan Zamindar (farmer) Action Committee. Balochistan is the largest province in Pakistan, comprising 44% of its land area, and has a significant agricultural sector. “Despite the fact that Balochistan has a large landmass and is rich in natural resources, its agriculture sector is lagging far behind in terms of productivity and growth.

In order to overcome this challenge, it is essential that we focus on providing adequate training and conducting research in the field of agriculture,” he emphasised. Bazai said one of the key reasons why agriculture in Balochistan has not been able to realise its full potential is the lack of proper training and education for farmers. “Many farmers in the region are still using traditional farming methods that are no longer effective in today's modern world. They are not aware of the latest agricultural technologies and practices that can help them increase yields and improve produce quality,” he said. “To address this issue, we need to provide farmers with the necessary training and education.

This can be done by arranging training programs and workshops that teach farmers about modern agricultural practices, such as precision farming, soil testing, and irrigation management. These programs can also cover topics such as market analysis, financial management, and agricultural policies,” he added. Bazai suggested that in addition to conducting research, investment is also needed for development of agriculture infrastructure. “This includes building irrigation systems, roads, and storage facilities, which can help farmers transport their produce to markets and reduce post-harvest losses.

We also need to provide farmers with access to credit and other financial services, so that they can invest in modern agricultural technologies and expand their businesses,” he added. Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) Chairman Dr Ghulam Muhammad Ali said at a seminar that training and research are crucial to support the development of agriculture in Balochistan. “Through improving the production of fruits and vegetables in Balochistan, we can also boost the country’s exports,” he added.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk