Project Geography(September,2024)

Class C1

Last date to submit: 25.9.24

Innovation for agriculture

The writer, a development and social impact-focused banker and public sector specialist, is
president and CEO of The Bank of Punjab

PAKISTAN’S agricultural sector is not just a segment of the economy; it is the lifeblood
that sustains the country’s populace and fuels its economic engine. With over 37 per
cent of the labour force employed in it and its contribution of approximately 46pc to GDP
— both directly and indirectly estimated by employing backward and forward linkages
between agriculture and other sectors of the economy — agriculture’s significance
cannot be overstated. It is a pivotal source of foreign exchange earnings, with a
substantial delta as high as $15 billion in our current account, underscoring its role as a
cornerstone of Pakistan’s financial stability.

Innovation, and out-of-the-box solutions provide hope amidst myriad challenges faced by this
sector. These are key to ending the prevailing inertia and catalysts that can transform traditional
practices into a modern, efficient, and sustainable agricultural framework. The recent Agri-
Connections conference in Lahore served as a testament to this belief, bringing together various
stakeholders to sow the seeds of progress and innovation.

The ZarZaraat agri start-up competition, sponsored by The Bank of Punjab and unveiled at the
conference, is meant to provide a platform for innovative technologies to showcase their
offerings to potential funders to bridge the gap between agricultural start-ups and the capital
they require. It is also seen as a commitment to nurturing the growth of agricultural
entrepreneurs.

The conference also shone a spotlight on international models of agricultural innovation that can
illuminate Pakistan’s path forward. The vision of Pakistani farmers connecting directly with
consumers, akin to their Indian counterparts using platforms like BigBasket, is not a distant
dream but an achievable reality. Similarly, the success of Hello Tractor in Africa serves as an
inspiration for Pakistani agricultural machinery service providers to serve smallholder farmers
and help them adopt much-needed mechanised farming using mobile technology, enabling
them to book tractors on-demand thus significantly enhancing their productivity.

Out-of-the-box solutions provide hope amidst the myriad challenges faced by the farm sector.

Yet, the scope of innovation extends far beyond the realm of technology. It is important to delve
into strategic approaches that have borne fruit in other nations. China’s emphasis on food
security, bolstered by government grants and specialised science parks, provides a blueprint for
Pakistan to emulate. Ethiopia’s resolution of credit access issues for farmers through a land-
titling programme demonstrates the power of governmental intervention in catalysing economic
empowerment. Vietnam’s focus on public-private partnerships, my favourite, highlights the
importance of collaborative efforts in overcoming financial literacy barriers and collateral
constraints faced by rural entrepreneurs. Colombia’s strides in empowering women-owned
agricultural businesses via microfinance partnerships offer valuable insights into inclusive
economic development.

A call to action for collaboration resonates throughout these success stories. A united front
comprising the government, private sector, financial institutions, and agriculturist communities,
is imperative for realising the transformative potential of Pakistan’s agricultural sector.
Streamlining regulations, investing in rural infrastructure, and championing sustainable practices
are the pillars upon which this transformation must be built.

As we study deeper into the agricultural conundrum that Pakistan faces, it becomes increasingly
clear that innovation is not merely a luxury but a necessity. The challenges that Pakistani
farmers grapple with are unique, but not insurmountable. Agriculture-related platforms emerge
as a beacon of hope, offering tangible solutions through the lens of innovation. It is not a little-
known fact that agricultural modernisation for an agrarian economy is a sure-fire way of
enhancing export orientation. A study by the World Bank suggests that Pakistan can increase its
agricultural exports by up to 50pc by 2025 through diversification and improved output quality,
brought about by modernisation.

Irrigation and water management are pivotal in a country where poor resource management
looms large. The potential to introduce smart irrigation systems could herald a new era of
efficiency in water use. A study by the International Water Management Institute estimates that
Pakistan can save up to 12.5 million acre feet of water annually by adopting precision
agriculture techniques such as smart irrigation systems. Keeping the criticality of it in view,
RemoteWell was selected as one of the technologies that could address this challenge, in the
ZarZaraat competition.

The issue of post-harvest handling is another hurdle that can be elegantly cleared by short-
listing Godaam Technologies as one of the best solutions showcased in the competition. Mobile
cold storage solutions and supply chain management platforms are present as low-hanging fruit,
boasting the potential to revolutionise the way farmers store and sell their produce — minimising
losses and maximising profits. According to recent estimates by the World Bank, Pakistan loses
between 30pc to 40pc of its agricultural produce due to poor post-harvest processing and
handling. Strategic investments in logistics and storage can cut down on these losses
significantly.

Capital access remains the Achilles’ heel for many farmers. Connecting farmers with
microfinance institutions and crowdfunding platforms is crucial. It is a step towards
democratising access to capital and enabling farmers to invest in the future. While market
access is the final piece of the puzzle, digital marketplaces could open up new avenues for
farmers, connecting them directly with consumers and ensure a fair price for their hard work.
The International Food Policy Research Institute estimates that the widespread adoption of new
technologies in developing agrarian economies can potentially increase farm incomes by up to
200pc — effectively translating into poverty reduction from the ground-up as well as improved
livelihoods for millions of Pakistani farmers and households.

The roadmap for Pakistan’s agricultural renaissance is etched in the lessons learned from
global leaders and the commitment to fostering an environment conducive to innovation. By
joining hands and harnessing the collective strength of all stakeholders, Pakistan can unlock the
latent potential of its agricultural sector and cultivate a future of prosperity and growth.

The writer, a development and social impact-focused banker and public sector specialist, is
president and CEO of The Bank of Punjab.

Published in Dawn, May 17th, 2024

With reference to the above article and through your own research write your critical
analysis about the following agricultural myths in Pakistan

MYTH 1: AGRICULTURE PLAYS A MINOR ROLE IN PAKISTAN’S ECONOMY

MYTH 2: THE WORLD IS TRYING TO KILL US THROUGH ‘TERMINATOR SEEDS’

MYTH 3: IF YOU KILL AGRICULTURE’S VILLAIN— THE AARRHTI — FARMERS WILL

MYTH 4: PAKISTAN IS RUNNING OUT OF WATER AND LAND FOR AGRICULTURE

MYTH 5: THERE IS NO CLIMATE CHANGE AWARENESS IN RURAL AREAS

Instructions:

[Link] references should be mentioned by the end of the project.

2. The project should not be more than 2-3 pages.

3. pictures, diagrams and data is mandatory