Arooj Zulfiqar

Pakistan’s agriculture sector – the backbone of its economy – is grappling with numerous challenges, from water scarcity to the overuse of chemical inputs. However, adopting efficient agronomic practices could significantly enhance productivity, reduce crop losses, and ensure long-term sustainability for the sector,” reports WealthPK.

“Agronomic practices, which focus on improving soil health, optimizing water use, and enhancing crop management, are key to addressing these challenges. Special emphasis is placed on efficient fertilizer use, reducing reliance on harmful chemicals, and ensuring the use of high-quality seeds. These practices are essential for maintaining soil fertility, increasing crop yields, and improving the environmental footprint of agriculture.

Dr. Muhammad Hanif, Senior Scientific Officer at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), emphasized the importance of these practices in boosting agricultural productivity. “Pakistan is primarily an agrarian country, with the majority of the rural population dependent on farming for livelihood. While farmers face several uncontrollable risks, adopting agronomic practices can minimize these risks and significantly improve production outcomes,” Dr. Hanif said in a recent interview with WealthPK. Agriculture accounts for 24 percent of Pakistan’s GDP.

It is also a major source of foreign exchange and fuels growth in other sectors of the economy. However, despite the sector’s importance, inefficiencies such as low water-use efficiency and excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides are hindering progress. Dr. Hanif pointed out that the overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is not only damaging the environment but also affecting long-term health of the soil. “The primary cause of crop losses is the use of substandard inputs.

These inputs, along with over-reliance on chemicals, degrade soil health, pollute water sources, and pose risks to human safety,” he explained. To combat these issues, Dr. Hanif recommended reducing the use of inorganic fertilizers, insecticides, and pesticides. He also suggested using appropriate fertilizers at optimal stages of the crop cycle to enhance yield while minimizing costs and environmental damage. Furthermore, farmers should be encouraged to switch to high-quality, virus-free seeds to ensure robust crop production. The agricultural sector also faces severe water scarcity, which impacts crop production.

“Water efficiency in the agriculture sector is alarmingly low, and this is one of the primary challenges for sustainable farming. The government must introduce advanced irrigation technologies that use less water but offer higher productivity,” Dr. Hanif said. Despite these challenges, Pakistan’s geography and fertile soil offer a significant advantage for agricultural production. With right agricultural practices and proper management of resources, the country can see a substantial increase in crop yield. Dr. Hanif called for the government to play a proactive role in supporting farmers.

Interest-free loans, accessible subsidies on fertilizers, and better pest control measures can help farmers transition to more sustainable farming practices. The agricultural community hopes that government support, combined with widespread adoption of agronomic practices, can usher in a new era of agricultural productivity. By improving input quality, optimizing water use, and embracing sustainable farming techniques, Pakistan’s agriculture sector can not only become more resilient to climate change but also more competitive in the global market.

Credit: INP-WealthPk