Nearly half of Pakistan’s workforce is in agriculture, but the country is increasingly relying on food imports, raising concerns about its farm policy. Within nine months of the current fiscal year, food imports surged to over $7 billion, mainly driven by essentials like sugar, edible oil, and pulses that Pakistan could produce domestically with the right policies. This trend is straining Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves and threatens its economic and social stability.
Pakistan’s heavy dependence on food imports is a consequence of its agricultural strategy focusing on major crops like wheat, cotton, sugarcane, and maize. This bias, supported by subsidies and water allocation, has neglected crucial areas such as oilseeds, pulses, and high-value crops. The decline in food exports further exacerbates the situation, indicating a need for diversification and increased productivity.
The country faces challenges like climate change, rapid population growth, and global price volatility, which could worsen its food security situation if current trends persist. To address these issues, Pakistan must reset its agricultural policies, diversify into crops like rice, oilseeds, and pulses, and enhance export competitiveness. A policy shift is crucial to ensure sustainable food production and reduce reliance on imports.
