On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, Mr. Afaq Ahmed Tiwana, Chief Executive Officer, Farmer Associate Pakistan, delivered a lecture to the participants of 37th SMC on “Challenges to Agriculture in Pakistan”.
- Mr. Afaq A. Tiwana provided a comprehensive overview of Pakistan’s agriculture sector, discussing its pivotal role in the economy and the existing policy and institutional framework governing it. He highlighted how agriculture contributes significantly to GDP, employment, and food security, yet remains constrained by outdated policies, inadequate infrastructure, and inefficient resource management. The lecture examined key sub-sectors such as forestry, horticulture, livestock, and fisheries, outlining the major challenges they face, including water scarcity, land degradation, low productivity, poor value chain integration, and limited access to modern agricultural practices. He also emphasized the impact of climate change, noting its severe consequences on crop yields, water availability, and rural livelihoods.
- To address these challenges, Mr. Tiwana suggested policy reforms, technological advancements, and sustainable agricultural practices. He discussed the adoption of climate-smart agriculture, precision farming, and biotechnology as potential solutions to enhance productivity and resilience. Lessons from global success stories, such as mechanization and digital agriculture, were shared to illustrate how innovation can transform Pakistan’s agriculture. The role of agro-based industries and value chain development was also highlighted as crucial for improving farmers’ incomes and export potential. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of farmers’ organizations in advocating for policy changes, ensuring fair market access, and promoting knowledge-sharing among agricultural communities. The lecture concluded with a call for collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and farming communities to drive sustainable agricultural growth in Pakistan.