Farm growth rises but farmers remain under pressure

Islamabad: Pakistan’s agricultural sector recorded a growth rate of 2.89% during the current fiscal year, according to the Pakistan Economic Survey. While the performance reflects resilience despite climate-related challenges and flood impacts, concerns among farmers continue to grow. Agricultural groups have raised issues regarding rising production costs, water shortages, low crop prices, and increasing expenses for fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, and fuel. Farmers argue that the benefits of higher agricultural output are not reaching cultivators effectively. Government officials maintain that reforms, irrigation projects, improved seed varieties, and modernization efforts are underway to strengthen the sector. Can stronger coordination between policymakers and farmers help ensure sustainable agricultural growth and rural economic stability?