Arooj Zulfiqar

Women play a vital role in the agriculture sector and possess valuable knowledge and skills that are critical for agricultural productivity and food security. Agriculture is a fundamental aspect of any country's economy, and its success largely depends on the contributions of its people, including women. In a discussion with WealthPK, Economic Consultant at the Ministry of National Food Security and Research Dr Muhammad Ali Talpur said, “Women play a critical role in agriculture, as they make up a significant portion of the agricultural workforce.”

51% of the people in our country are women. The current share of agriculture accounts for 22% of GDP and 83 million people are engaged in agriculture out of which 40 million are women. Women play their part in various fields of agriculture, he said. Many educated women have adopted agriculture as a profession and are working as scientists and field assistants. “Despite their significant contribution, women face several challenges in accessing and utilizing agricultural resources, including land, credit, and technology. They also encounter cultural and gender-based barriers that limit their participation in the decision-making processes and restrict their access to education and training,” he said.

To overcome these challenges, there is a need to leverage women's knowledge and skills in agriculture. Women possess valuable skills and knowledge that are critical for agricultural development, including knowledge of local crops, traditional farming practices, and natural resource management. By leveraging women's knowledge and skills, we can enhance agricultural productivity and ensure food security for our country, he added.

He suggested that the governments and development organizations should work to ensure that women have equal access to the agricultural resources such as land, credit, and technology. Women should be provided with education and training opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills. The agriculture sector should encourage women involvement in decision-making. This will ensure that their perspectives and knowledge are taken into account in policy and program development. Mr. Talpur said women's contribution should be recognized and valued, which will help change cultural and gender-based attitudes towards them in agriculture and promote greater gender equality.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk