Khurram Jafrani
KARACHI: In a groundbreaking move to boost agricultural productivity and secure the nation’s food future, the Sindh government, in collaboration with the Sindh Infrastructure Development Company (SIFC), has embarked on an ambitious project to lease 52,713 acres of uncultivated state land. This transformative initiative aims to harness the untapped potential of barren landscapes, turning them into thriving hubs of productivity and prosperity.
Under the inclusive umbrella of the SIFC, which boasts representation from federal and provincial stakeholders, the Sindh government has opted for a novel approach. While retaining ownership, they have leased the land for 20 years to the Pakistan Army and foreign investors. Notably, the government retains 33% of the project’s profits, ensuring that the ultimate beneficiaries are the people of Sindh.
This strategic partnership underscores a commitment to shared prosperity and a brighter future for the region. By involving the military to facilitate the business environment, the Sindh government and Sindhis at large emerge as the ultimate beneficiaries, claiming a significant share of the project’s profits.
The allocated land, strategically distributed across Khairpur, Mithi, Dadu, Sujawal, Thatta, and Badin, represents a canvas of opportunities. This initiative is not merely a land lease; it is a visionary effort to transform uncultivated landscapes into fertile sources of revenue generation.
Agriculture, the backbone of Pakistan’s national economy, faces challenges rooted in outdated farming practices. The SIFC project is set to revolutionize agriculture in Sindh by incorporating cutting-edge techniques, promising higher crop yields, and boosting revenue.
The adoption of modern technology brings multifaceted benefits, including increased productivity, decreased use of water, fertilizer, and pesticides, reduced impact on natural ecosystems, and enhanced worker and farmer safety. This shift towards sustainable farming practices aligns with global efforts to address environmental concerns while ensuring food security.
The project’s main objective is to utilize maximum cultivable wasteland in Sindh, addressing the pressing issue of food security, often overlooked in discussions on national security. As a national cause, the Pakistan Army’s involvement in developing waste barren lands showcases a concerted effort to secure the nation’s future through sustainable agricultural growth.
In summary, the SIFC’s comprehensive approach towards increasing the productivity of all crops, rather than focusing solely on wheat-based food security, reflects a forward-looking strategy. Acknowledging that no country has escaped poverty without enhancing agricultural productivity, this initiative holds the potential for both horizontal and vertical growth in Pakistan’s agriculture sector.
Corporate farming, as facilitated by the SIFC and the Sindh government, is positioned as a crucial step forward for a prosperous Pakistan. By exerting all available resources to develop the agriculture sector, this initiative promises to safeguard the future of the next generations while contributing to the nation’s economic growth.