A G R I. Or Disagree with Development

Transcription

1 A G R I Or Disagree with Development

2 A Global Survey Would you please give your honest opinion about solution to food shortage in the rest of the world 2

3 The Survey was a huge failure because... In South America most of the people didn t know what please meant In Asia most of the people didn t know what honest meant In China most of the people didn t know what opinion meant In Australia/Europe most of the people didn t know what shortage meant In Middle East most of the people didn t know what solution meant In USA most of the people didn t know what the rest of the world meant In Africa people didn t know what food meant 3

4 Are we heading towards African situation. An estimated 7.8 million people are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity while 3.6 million people are living in highly food insecure areas. - Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) The worst floods in history have hit Pakistan causing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Extensive damages were caused to livelihoods, agriculture, livestock and infrastructure. Approximately 10 million people are in need of livelihood assistance, food aid and shelter. A severe food security situation and an alarming hunger problem in the long term is estimated. - World Bank The danger of food security could be a major concern in the future if the government fails to reform economy to reduce the widening gap between the cost of food and the purchasing power of the people - World Food Programme (WFP) 4

5 Food Security Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food, and to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. Article 38 (d) Constitution of Pakistan The State shall provide basic necessities of life such as food, clothing, housing, education and medical relief for all citizens irrespective of sex, caste, creed or race, as are permanently or temporarily unable to earn their livelihood on account of infirmity, sickness or unemployment. 5

6 Why Agriculture. Food security directly linked with economy Agriculture constitutes the largest sector of our economy. Majority of the population, directly or indirectly, dependent on this sector It contributes about 26 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and accounts for half of employed labour force and is the largest source of foreign exchange earnings. Nearly 63 per cent of the country s population resides in rural areas, and is directly or indirectly linked with agriculture for livelihood. 6

7 Why Agriculture. Agriculture sector provides raw material for various industries: Textiles Sugar Industry Vegetable Oils Pharmaceuticals / medicinal plants Vegetable / Fruits pulp / juices Bio fuels? Various Industries dependent on Agriculture sector Fertilizers Pesticides / herbicides Agri machinery / tractor manufacturing 7

8 Why Agriculture. Rural / Urban population balance With land ownership at a minimum, agricultural work was increasingly becoming less viable for the average agricultural worker, prompting many day-labourers to move to the country s larger cities and towns in search of jobs. Some find jobs, some don t. But once they move from the rural areas they generally can t go back. 8

9 Why Agriculture. Agriculture sector is a base for foreign trade. Foreign exchange earned from agri commodities and merchandise exports is above 75% of total exports of Pakistan. Rice Basmati / Coarse 3 Mio MT Wheat (Over 2 Mio MT allowed) Sugar (Being Imported About 1.2 mio MT) Corn/Maize Fruits/Vegetables Seafood Fish & Fish preparations USD158mio Cotton (Raw) Added Value Yarn, Grey Cloth, Finished Textiles covering 60/65% of Export Budget 9

10 Why not Agriculture.. Pakistan's principal natural resources are arable land and water. About 25% of Pakistan's total land area is under cultivation Pakistan Agriculture is watered by one of the largest irrigation systems in the world. Pakistan irrigates three times more acres than Russia. A strong financial support structure is available in the shape of Zarai Tarqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL), the largest financial institution geared towards the development of agriculture sector through provision of financial services and technical know how. Rural womenfolks have equal participation in agri activities Major financial subsidies / support prices have been available to farmers and farms to market roads are now available in most rural areas. 10

11 Why not Agriculture.. Pakistan is one of the world's largest producers of the following commodities: Apricot (3rd) Chickpea (3rd) Cotton, lint (4th) Cotton, Seed (3rd) Dates (5th) Mango (6th) Onion, dry (4th) Oranges (11th) Rice,paddy (11th) Sugarcane (5th) Tangerines, mandarin orange, clementine (9th) Wheat (10th) Source:FAOSTAT, the statistical arm of the Food and Agriculture Organization of The United Nations. 11

12 And if Agriculture..what is needed A strong agricultural governance Genuine land reforms Improved irrigation system / more dams?? Agricultural Research & Development Seeds approval and availability Productivity / Yield enhancement programs Agricultural zones development Corporate farming Access to latest Agri technology Identification and expansion to new export markets 12

13 Always with you to ensure growth.. Thank you 13