What's Happening?
Pakistan has initiated its first digital agriculture census, marking a significant shift towards modernizing its farming sector. The 7th Agricultural Census 2024, conducted using digital tools, aims to enhance planning and transparency in agriculture. The launch event, held at the National Agricultural Research Centre, was attended by Federal Minister for Planning and Development, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, who described it as a 'turning point' in the country's farming history. The census reveals changes in Pakistan's agriculture, such as an increase in cultivated land from 42.6 million acres in 2010 to 52.8 million acres in 2024, and a rise in farm households from 8.3 million to 11.7 million. The digital approach involved trained staff using tablets to collect data across all provinces, including remote areas.
AD
Why It's Important?
The digital agriculture census is crucial for Pakistan as it provides accurate and timely data to inform government planning and policy-making. This data will support initiatives like fair farm subsidies, improved irrigation, and better crop planning, especially in response to floods and droughts. It also aims to empower small farmers, women, and youth, and boost investments in food processing and exports. The introduction of a Data Portal for Large Holdings allows major stakeholders to access and update their data in real-time, facilitating better decision-making. This initiative is part of a broader vision to transform Pakistan into a food-secure, export-driven economy by 2035.
What's Next?
The government plans to use the data from the digital census to implement programs that improve farm productivity and farmer prosperity. This includes providing tools and knowledge to farmers to shape their future. The success of this initiative could lead to further digital transformations in other sectors, enhancing overall economic growth and development in Pakistan.
Beyond the Headlines
The digital census highlights the importance of integrating technology in traditional sectors like agriculture. It underscores the need for inclusive policies that consider the contributions of women and young agripreneurs in farming. This approach not only modernizes data collection but also ensures that future agricultural policies are based on comprehensive and up-to-date information.
