To begin with, I would like to quote the well-known Nigerian Economist, Akinwuimi Adesina, who is currently serving as the President of African
Development Bank: “Food Security is a Global Challenge that requires global solutions. No Country can achieve it alone.”
The same concern is echoed in the following statement by Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary
General of the United Nations: The right to food is the basic human right, and ensuring food security is our shared responsibility. “Thus, providing food to its people is the responsibility of the government first and then NGO’s and other communities.
This detail is specially relevant to Pakistan in view of its increasing population growth statistics and archaic farming practices where maximum output is not being achieved. The serious concerns about expected food shortages which are already being expressed worldwide need to be addressed seriously in Pakistan, and remedial measures with corrective steps should be taken immidiately in order to prevent the serious situation in future. Since Agriculture is a majorly relevant sector of Pakistan’s economy, 75 % of its population was engaged in farming. Now this statistics has declined due to urbanisation and shifting of manpower to other sectors, reveal the change in preference over time.
Hence, population increasing geometrically but not the agricultural produce. This phenomenon leads to the significant problem of food insecurity. Major portion of the population is said to face hunger and malnutrition. Situation is even worse in rural areas. Other factors responsible are poverty, high prices of basic food items, economic instability and more.
Alongside cotton, sugarcane, maize, vegetables and fruits, wheat and rice are two staple crops of the country.
To address the need to train uneducated personal in the crucial sector, few important steps are taken by the government. Certainly, a right move towards empowering communities and farmers. As in the words of Kanayo E Nwanze (Former President of the International Fund for
Agricultural Development. )” Food Security is about empowering smallholder farmers and supporting local food systems It’s about educating them with the tools and knowledge. It is important when population increasing at an annual rate of 2.55 % according to 2023 census. This is the time, need to increase exports in order to earn foreign exchange, and unfortunately we have started importing.
The good news is that the government has decided to send 300 students to China in March, 2025, to be trained in advanced green agricultural technology. Decision also taken to send 400 more students in the mid of 2025. Merit process is promised. (Hopefully action taken and selected candidates must have proceeded to China).
Historically, Agriculture in China plays a vital role in the production of rice and wheat in North China Plain. Alongside, also produce other food items as well. They were engaged in traditional farming techniques known as terracing.
In the wake of increase in the population and food security aspect, China adopted new farming technologies. These include automotion and Artificial Intelligence to improve efficiency, maximising yield per acre, leading to sustenability. Initially agricultural land in China was almost 55 %, now declined due to population growth of 3.3 % and urbanisation. This huge increase addressed with zest and ferver. The combination of new government policies and efforts to bring significant changes in socital attitudes, witnessed a declining curve in population growth in recent decades, which is currently in negative figure of -0.1 0/0. China at present excel in Green Energy and Advanced Agricultural Technology. Tried and tested agri farming in buildings successfully, also not in soil as was practiced traditionally but in water by maintaining temperature. On the contrary Pakistan remained glued to ancient style farming. Green Economy is essential to adopt on urgent basis in order to achieve positive results. Recall the successful experience in
1960 s with advanced technology to maximise yield per acre under the tag of Green Revolution. It proved to be a great success then. It also assist in raising the GDP growth rate.
China can be an ideal partner in this particular situation for Pakistan. It is heartening that Pakistan has already taken charge in this regard. Presently it’s time to take advantage of our long sincere friendship with China and make efforts in getting our people trained in adopting Green Energy. Later possibly Chinese experts maybe invited to train and supervise farmers. Another option is to establish vocational training centres to educate farmers young to old.
For all the above, serious attitude on the part of the government and related authorities is a necessary condition.
