News
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
Pak agri production 40% less compared to region yieldStaff Report
LAHORE: Pakistan is blessed with the best possible natural resources and weather, but agriculture production of the country is almost 40 percent less in comparison to neighbouring countries in the region. Production deficiencies are results of inefficiencies of research institutes and lack of government’s interest.
These observations were made by the Kissan Board Pakistan (KBP) Central Vice President Sarfraz Ahmad Khan here on Tuesday. He was speaking to the newly elected office-bearers of the Agriculture Journalists Association (AJA), including President Munawar Hasan, Vice President Sighbat Ullah Chaudhry, General Secretary Rana Fawad and Finance Secretary Imran Adnan. AJA former president Zahid Baig and other members were also present on the occasion.
Khan pointed out that in all major crops Pakistan’s production was lowest in the region. In sugarcane, he indicated, through research and good farming practices various countries in the region had achieved production level of 1,200 to 1,500 maund per acre, whereas Pakistan was hovering between 500 and 600 maund per acre.
Similarly, region was producing 50-60 maund wheat per acre, while Pakistan was getting a yield of 27-30 maund per acre. However, a few big farmers were touching these levels in the country too, which indicated the Pakistan had similar potential. Elaborating his point, Khan said that nearly 86 percent farmers in the country had 12.5 acre or less land holdings, which did not have access to research and modern technology. Only a small percentage of big and influential farmers did have knowledge and access to modern research, he maintained.
KBP vice president underscored, “Agriculture is and will remain the base of national economy, as the country is surrounded on the prime land in the region.” The government should understand that Pakistan was located on an area that was rich with agriculture and mineral resources. But, Pakistan could never exploit this potential of visible and invisible natural resources, he lamented.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk