Pakistan’s economic growth and food security are closely linked with the performance of its agricultural sector. Its contribution extends beyond farming to industry, employment, and national development.

According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26, agriculture contributes around 23.4% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs approximately 33.1% of the national labour force. The fertile plains of Punjab, the productive lands of Sindh, the orchards of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and the fruit-growing valleys of Balochistan provide the country with rich agricultural resources.

However, rapid population growth, climate change, water shortages, outdated farming methods, and weak infrastructure continue to threaten food security. Therefore, modernising agriculture is not merely an option but a top priority for the country.

Food security means that every citizen has regular access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. It is not only about producing more crops but also about making food affordable and available throughout the year. Although Pakistan has increased agricultural production over time, millions of people still suffer from food insecurity and malnutrition.

Rising food prices, natural disasters, and unequal access to resources have made healthy food difficult for many families to afford. As the population continues to grow, improving agricultural productivity has become necessary to ensure national food security.

Agriculture remains one of the strongest pillars of Pakistan’s economy. The Economic Survey of Pakistan 2025-26 recorded an overall agricultural growth rate of 2.89%, despite difficult weather conditions. Wheat production reached around 29.61 million tonnes, rice production nearly 9.99 million tonnes, and sugarcane production around 89.45 million tonnes.

Livestock, the largest agricultural sub-sector, also grew 3.75%, showing its increasing importance for rural livelihoods and food production. While these figures are encouraging, the country still performs below its agricultural potential because many farmers continue to depend on traditional cultivation methods, poor quality seeds, outdated machinery, and inefficient irrigation. Modernisation is, therefore, important to bridge this gap.

One of Pakistan’s greatest strengths is the Indus Basin Irrigation System, one of the largest contiguous irrigation networks in the world. Yet, a large amount of water is wasted through flood irrigation, canal seepage, and poor water management.

Climate change has also reduced water availability through shrinking glaciers, irregular rainfall, and prolonged droughts. Modern irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation, sprinkler systems, laser land levelling, and digital water management can save water while increasing crop yields. Improving canal infrastructure and constructing additional water reservoirs are equally important for securing the country’s future food supply.

Climate change poses one of the greatest threats to Pakistan’s agriculture. The devastating floods of 2022 destroyed millions of acres of farmland, displaced farming communities, and caused billions of dollars in economic losses.

Since then, Pakistan has experienced severe heatwaves, irregular monsoon rains, droughts, and pest attacks, all of which have reduced agricultural productivity. These challenges demand climate-smart agriculture. Farmers should be encouraged to use drought-resistant and flood-tolerant seed varieties, modern weather forecasting systems, and scientific farming methods to minimise losses and ensure stable crop production.

Technology has transformed agriculture around the world, and Pakistan must adopt these innovations more rapidly. Farmers can now benefit from satellite imagery, drones, mobile applications, weather forecasting, and precision farming techniques. Mobile phones provide timely information on fertiliser use, pest control, weather conditions, and market prices.

Digital platforms also connect farmers directly with the buyers, reducing the role of middlemen and increasing profits. Precision farming enables fertilisers and pesticides to be used only where needed, reducing production costs while protecting the environment.

Mechanisation is another important step towards agricultural modernisation. Many farmers in Pakistan still depend on manual labour or outdated machinery, which reduces efficiency and productivity. Modern tractors, harvesters, seed drills, and laser land levellers allow the farmers to cultivate larger areas in less time while reducing labour costs.

Laser land levelling also improves irrigation efficiency by distributing water evenly across fields. Government support through affordable machinery rental schemes and low-interest agricultural loans can help the small farmers benefit from modern equipment.

Scientific research has a major role in improving Pakistan’s agriculture. Agricultural universities and research centres continue to develop better crop varieties and farming methods, but these innovations often fail to reach ordinary farmers.

Agricultural extension services should provide practical guidance on soil testing, fertiliser use, disease control, pest management, and climate adaptation. Regular training programmes can help the farmers adopt modern technology confidently and improve their productivity.

Pakistan also loses a significant amount of food after harvest because of poor storage facilities, weak transport systems, and inefficient marketing. Farmers often have no choice but to sell their produce immediately after harvest at low prices. Building modern warehouses, cold storage facilities, refrigerated transport, and food processing industries would greatly reduce these losses.

Better roads and transport networks would also enable the farmers to deliver fresh produce quickly to markets. Reducing food waste is as important as increasing food production because it strengthens food security without expanding cultivated land.

Similarly, small landholdings present another major challenge. Many farmers own only a few acres of land, limiting productivity and reducing profits. These farmers often lack access to quality seeds, machinery, fertilisers, and financial services.

Easy agricultural loans, crop insurance, cooperative farming, and financial support can help these farmers modernise their farms. Inclusive agricultural development is necessary if the benefits of modernisation are to reach all rural communities.

The government has a leading role in transforming agriculture. Investment in dams, irrigation projects, rural roads, electricity, internet connectivity, and agricultural research provides the foundation for modern farming.

Agricultural subsidies should promote efficient water use, improved seed varieties, and environmentally-friendly farming instead of encouraging wasteful practices. Fair market policies can protect both the farmers and consumers while encouraging exports of high-quality agricultural products.

Another pillar of agricultural development is education. Many farmers still rely on traditional knowledge and have limited access to scientific information. Expanding agricultural education and vocational training can improve farming practices and increase awareness of modern technologies.

Universities should encourage young people to pursue careers in agricultural engineering, biotechnology, agribusiness, and digital farming, making agriculture an attractive and profitable profession.

Young people can play a transformative role in Pakistan’s agricultural future. Many leave rural areas because they consider farming unprofitable. However, modern agriculture offers opportunities in precision farming, food processing, agricultural technology, and agribusiness. With proper training, financial support, and access to technology, young entrepreneurs can establish innovative agricultural enterprises that generate employment and improve productivity.

Women can also contribute significantly to Pakistan’s agriculture, particularly in livestock management, dairy production, harvesting, and kitchen gardening. Despite their contribution, they often lack equal access to education, finance, land ownership, and modern technology. Providing women with training, microfinance, and equal opportunities can significantly improve agricultural productivity, household incomes, and family nutrition. Empowering women farmers is, therefore, needed to achieve sustainable food security.

Environmental sustainability must remain key to agricultural modernisation. Excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides has damaged soil fertility and polluted water resources in many areas.

Sustainable farming methods such as crop rotation, conservation agriculture, integrated pest management, organic farming, and efficient water use can increase productivity while protecting the environment. Tree plantation, soil conservation, and responsible groundwater management will ensure that the future generations inherit productive agricultural land.

Pakistan can also learn from countries such as The Netherlands, China, Australia, and Turkey, which have transformed agriculture through scientific research, efficient irrigation, mechanisation, and modern supply chains. Adapting these successful practices to local conditions can significantly improve Pakistan’s agricultural performance. International cooperation in agricultural research, climate adaptation, and technology transfer can further strengthen national food security.

The private sector also has an important role to play. Seed companies, fertiliser manufacturers, machinery producers, financial institutions, and food processing industries can accelerate agricultural growth. Investment in storage facilities, modern technology, and value-added agricultural products creates employment, reduces food waste, and increases farmers’ incomes. Public-private partnerships can speed up the adoption of modern farming practices throughout the country.

Food security is closely linked to national security. A country that cannot feed its people becomes vulnerable to inflation, economic instability, social unrest, and dependence on food imports.

Pakistan spends valuable foreign exchange on importing edible oil, pulses, and other food items that could partly be produced locally through higher agricultural productivity. Increasing domestic food production will reduce imports, strengthen exports, create employment, and support economic growth.

Recent global crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and international conflicts, have shown how vulnerable food supply chains can become. Countries with modern and resilient agricultural systems were better able to protect their populations during these disruptions.

Therefore, Pakistan must build an agricultural sector capable of withstanding future shocks through scientific research, efficient irrigation, digital technology, and sustainable farming practices.

Pakistan possesses all the basic resources needed to become a food secure nation. It has fertile land, hardworking farmers, abundant sunshine, one of the world’s largest irrigation systems, and a growing number of educated young people. What is needed is political commitment, long-term planning, increased investment, and effective implementation of agricultural reforms. Every improvement in farming increases food production, strengthens rural livelihoods, reduces poverty, and promotes national development.