Farming smarter

Across the vast, rural stretches of Pakistan, farming is more than an occupation -- it's the very heartbeat of the nation. Every morning, as the sun rises over fields of wheat, cotton, or rice, farmers embark on a daily struggle to cultivate the land and navigate an increasingly complex and unforgiving agricultural landscape.

Despite their relentless efforts, they face formidable odds: climate change, unpredictable weather patterns, rising input costs, and a lack of access to essential technology and resources. Yet, despite these challenges, they remain the backbone of Pakistan's economy, feeding millions and sustaining livelihoods.

Pakistan's agriculture sector contributes around 23 per cent to the GDP and employs 37.4 per cent of the national labour force. About 70 per cent of Pakistan’s exports are directly or indirectly derived from agriculture. In FY23, Pakistan’s exports dropped by 12.8 per cent, totalling $27.724 billion, down from $31.728 billion in FY22. The decline reflects a mix of reduced export volumes and lower unit values.

From the farmer who plants seeds to the consumer who enjoys the final product, the agriculture chain depends on numerous factors, but none is as crucial as the quality and the timely availability of inputs at a competitive price. Good-quality agricultural inputs are the foundation of high-yield, sustainable farming and are key to increasing food security, enhancing productivity, and boosting economic growth. Here’s why prioritising agricultural inputs is essential to ensure good quantity in agricultural output.

The journey from seed to harvest begins with the seed itself. The quality of seeds determines the plant's health, resilience, and productivity. High-quality seeds are developed through rigorous selection and breeding techniques, ensuring they possess the best genetic traits for yield, disease resistance, and environmental adaptability. Certified seeds yield crops that are uniform, resilient, and capable of achieving optimal production levels. In contrast, low-quality seeds often lead to poor germination, higher susceptibility to diseases, and ultimately, lower yields, placing the entire crop at risk.

Soil quality is the bedrock of successful agriculture, and fertilizers are essential to replenishing nutrients that crops deplete over time. However, not all fertilizers are created equal. High-quality fertilizers are scientifically formulated to balance nutrients, allowing plants to absorb essential minerals like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium efficiently.

Using these fertilizers in balanced and optimal levels sustainably enhances soil structure, prevents nutrient deficiencies, and improves overall crop yield. In contrast, low-quality or excessive fertilizer use can degrade soil, pollute water sources, and ultimately reduce crop productivity and pose environmental hazards.

A UN study found that about 9.9 per cent of the world’s population still goes hungry, so the thought of feeding almost 10 billion mouths is a daunting prospect

Farmers face numerous threats to their crops, including pests, diseases, and weeds, all of which can drastically affect yield. Quality crop protection products, such as pesticides and herbicides, are designed to target specific threats without damaging the crop or soil. Inferior crop protection products coupled with imbalanced dosages, however, may leave harmful residues on crops leading to intrusion in the food chain, harm non-target organisms, or build resistance in pests, leading to crop failures and economic losses.

Timely intervention by our agronomy experts helps farmers to take precautionary measures and guidance on selection as well as proper use of certified, high-quality crop protection products allows farmers to manage weather threats effectively, preserving crop health and ensuring more consistent yields.

High-efficiency irrigation solutions minimise water wastage, reduce erosion, and maintain soil structure. By investing in reliable irrigation technology, farmers can sustain their crops even in dry seasons, resulting in higher yields and more reliable harvests. For instance, N-Drip, a micro drip irrigation system reduces water usage by up to 50 per cent and improves crop quality.

The role of machinery in modern farming cannot be overstated. High-quality agricultural machinery allows farmers to plant, irrigate, harvest, and process crops efficiently and accurately without significant losses. Precision agriculture equipment, for instance, uses advanced technology to assess soil conditions, monitor crop health, and apply inputs accurately, minimising waste and maximising yield.

We have introduced rice harvesters, that minimise wastage and protect the farmer from facing financial losses. Investing in well-maintained, quality machinery not only saves time and labour but also optimises resource use, contributing to better harvests and economic sustainability.

Investing in quality agricultural inputs has a direct impact on economic growth and food security. By 2050, the demand for food will surge 70 per cent, in line with rapid population growth. A UN study found that about 9.9 per cent of the world’s population still goes hungry, so the thought of feeding almost 10 billion mouths is a daunting prospect. With good quality seeds, fertilizers, crop protection, and machinery, farmers can produce more, contributing to local and national food supplies.

Quality inputs in agriculture are not merely a choice but a necessity in achieving good quantity output. Reliable seeds, balanced fertilizers, effective crop protection, advanced machinery, and sustainable irrigation are keys for this. Investing in quality input ensures that each stage of the agricultural process contributes to a healthy, abundant, and resilient harvest.

As agriculture continues to evolve, prioritising quality over cost will be essential for both farmers and economies to reap the maximum benefits from time and efforts including resources invested in every crop season.

The writer is the chief agronomy officer at HBL Zarai Services.