Agricultural State Pakistan

Pakistan is an agricultural state and this sector is suffering a lot

from previous few years. Now the farmers condition have gone
pathetic level low. Government have to take active steps to save
the people connected to this sector. Crops production gone
bumper in the previous few years but government except
purchasing the crops from local farmers they are importing it from
foreign which is a shameful act on the part of government.

Production data of different major crops in Pakistan

in 2014
Crops

2011-12

2012-13

2013-14

Wheat

110.3

113.8

118.8

Maize

139.5

135.7

145.6

Cotton

104.4

100.1

98.1

Rice

111.1

99.8

122.5

Sugarcane

130.7

142.7

148.8

Above mentioned data clearly provides some insight into to the

agricultural production. But unavailability of active markets to the
farmers they were unable to cover their costs even in the recent
past years. Sufferings of people attached with this profession are
increasing day by day as this sector is totally dejected by the
government. The sector that provides food and other natural daily
useable things is asking for some care from the government.
Low price high production cost is the major problem for the
farmers.
According to the figures of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (FBS), prices of
urea have gone beyond 65 per cent in last one year while DAP prices

increased by over 35 per cent in one year period. According to the figures,
average urea price has recorded at Rs 1,845 per bag during the week
ended on 19 January against Rs 1,090 per bag of one year ago.
Meanwhile, DAP price has increased to over Rs 4,100 against Rs 3,139.
Constant Increase in oil prices till mid of 2014 have also increased the
production cost of the farmers. Government also waived some subsidy on
agricultural electricity connections, production cost of rice increased
significantly as it need watered consistently for 60 days at least after the
plantation. But last year what happened due to floods and political unrest in
the country. Price of the fell down significantly minimum a 50% loss bore by
the farmers. And this year still the situation is unclear for this crop.
Sugarcane producers having some payment problems upon the hands of
sugar mill honors. Govt should intervene into the matter, and must solve
the issue of payments. And also announce the support price for the
sugarcane.
Cotton sector is also deprived and it can be seen in the above table a
decrease in the production of cotton. Almost 5% decrease is seen in
production. It is because of high production cost and low selling price of the
crop and imports of cotton from china and India are also hurting the local
production.
Due to huge pressure on agricultural sector GDP has decreased
significantly, and is consistently decreasing from past many years.
Pakistans GDP average around 3.0 which is lowest to its potential. It is
because low exports and higher imports and higher trade deficit. Balance of
payments is also adverse, and economic deficiencies are aided with IMF
program which is no mean in favor of the Pakistan economy.
Major Part of the National Income is going in payment of interest every
year, and that little remains left is distributed on the welfare of people of
Pakistan.

Government should add agriculture sector to its priorities and give active
attention to export the agricultural products. A 10 million bags of rice are
stocked and are awaiting to be exported and new crop is at door Step.
(To Be Continued)