Pakistan has initiated a groundbreaking project aimed at transforming vast areas of uncultivated waste state land into productive cultivable land to tackle food insecurity challenges. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the Land Information and Management System – Center of Excellence, which is expected to bolster food security. The project intends to convert approximately 4.4 million hectares (10.9 million acres) out of a total of 9 million hectares of unused land by employing modern agricultural technologies. This state-of-the-art system will optimize agricultural production through innovative and sustainable precision agricultural practices, while prioritizing the well-being of rural communities and environmental preservation.
Addressing Food Insecurity Challenges in Pakistan
Pakistan’s economy heavily relies on agriculture, with the sector contributing 23% to the country’s GDP and employing around 37.4% of the labor force. However, the area under cultivation is decreasing, leading to an increasing gap between population and production. Moreover, the country’s agricultural imports have exceeded $10 billion, leading to economic stress. Official documents from the project reveal that the World Food Program has identified 36.9% of Pakistanis as food insecure, with 18.3% of them facing severe food crises. To exacerbate the situation, the demand for wheat has surpassed the current production levels, creating a shortfall of nearly 4 million metric tons. Cotton production has also experienced a significant decline of 40% over the past decade, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the agricultural sector.
Enhancing Agricultural Growth with the Conversion of Waste Land
In a collaborative effort between the government and the armed forces, Pakistan aims to boost agricultural growth and production by utilizing over 9 million hectares of uncultivated waste state land. The project will be implemented in multiple phases, leveraging the support of modern agri technologies. By converting vast expanses of unused land into cultivable areas, the government seeks to address the pressing food security concerns and alleviate the economic burden caused by agricultural imports.
