AGRICULTURE
Sindh’s Agriculture Minister, Sardar Muhammad Baksh Khan Mahar, underscored the pressing need for bold actions to modernize Pakistan’s agricultural sector, enhance productivity, and foster greater resilience.
Speaking at the conclusion of the two-day Pakistan Agriculture Coalition (PAC) conference and expo at the Karachi Expo Centre, he stressed that the agricultural economies worldwide are focusing on improving their agri-supply chains, making them more efficient, innovative, and entrepreneurial.
Minister Mahar pointed out several key obstacles hindering the growth of the agriculture sector in Pakistan. Among the most significant challenges are post-harvest losses, which average around 40% of horticultural crops, limited access to modern storage facilities, and the ongoing impacts of climate change. He highlighted the devastating biblical-scale floods that have ravaged Sindh over the past 15 years, further exacerbating the already fragile agricultural landscape.
Mahar called for immediate attention to these issues, urging stakeholders to come together and implement effective solutions for the sector’s transformation.
Collaboration Between Private Sector and Farmers is Key: FAO Representative
Florence Rolle, the Country Representative for the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), echoed similar concerns, emphasizing that the private sector in Pakistan holds the key to shaping the future of a market-driven agricultural industry. Rolle pointed out a major gap between farmers and investors, stressing that the collaboration witnessed in other countries is sorely lacking in Pakistan.
She highlighted the need for enhanced cooperation and engagement between the two parties to unlock the full potential of the agricultural sector, ensuring that the market can effectively meet the needs of both producers and consumers.
Exploring Carbon Credits to Benefit Farmers: Dr. Irfan Ali’s Insights
Dr. Irfan Ali, a renowned expert on climate change and agriculture, delivered an insightful presentation on the potential benefits of carbon credits for Pakistani farmers. He explained that agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly from livestock methane, fertilizer-induced nitrous oxide, deforestation, and energy use in farming activities. These factors account for approximately 50% of the country’s total emissions, which has a significant impact on the environment.
Dr. Ali highlighted how the negative effects of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions lead to reduced agricultural productivity, water stress, soil erosion, fertility loss, and an increased risk of food insecurity. In light of these challenges, he called for a paradigm shift toward sustainable farming practices to improve resilience in the sector.
Carbon Credits as a Solution: Gediz Kaya’s Perspective
Gediz Kaya, the CEO of GAIA Climate from Turkey, emphasized the vital role of carbon credits in climate mitigation investments, yet noted that Pakistan’s understanding of the concept remains limited. Kaya explained that carbon credits could play a crucial role in financing climate-friendly technologies and sustainable practices, especially in agriculture and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs). For Pakistan, a country highly vulnerable to climate change, understanding and leveraging carbon credits is essential for long-term sustainability.
Monetizing Carbon Credits: A New Income Source for Farmers
Asad Soorty, Director of Soorty Enterprises, also highlighted the economic potential of carbon credits for Pakistani farmers. He explained that carbon credits, which currently sell for $5-20 per ton, could provide an additional stream of income for farmers, especially in light of practices like burning crop waste, which significantly contributes to emissions. Soorty suggested that farmers could instead convert this crop waste into bio-char, a form of slow combustion used in brick kilns, which not only reduces emissions but also produces a valuable byproduct that can be used for soil enhancement.
Promoting Exports and Trade: Sheryar Taj’s Vision
Sheryar Taj, the Secretary of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), presented plans to increase the export potential of the country’s agricultural sector. He revealed that TDAP would organize 27 exhibitions throughout the year as part of its annual business plan. Taj further shared that Pakistan’s total exports had reached a record $8 billion in the previous year, with agriculture contributing significantly. Notably, rice exports from the agricultural sector made up over 50% of that total, underscoring the importance of agriculture to Pakistan’s trade economy.
A Positive Outlook: Hadi Ali Rizvi’s Closing Remarks
In his closing remarks, Hadi Ali Rizvi, Chairman of the Pakistan Agriculture Coalition, expressed gratitude to all the speakers, participants, and guests who had contributed to the success of the conference. He highlighted the importance of ongoing dialogue, collaboration, and innovation in addressing the challenges faced by the agricultural sector.
The PAC conference proved to be a platform for deep discussions on the future of Pakistan’s agriculture and the bold steps needed to overcome the barriers holding back the sector’s growth. With ongoing efforts to modernize and innovate, the future of Pakistan’s agriculture sector appears to be on the brink of significant transformation.
ERMD
