Aman Khan, a 52-year-old third-generation farmer from Charsadda, embodies the traditional farming spirit of Pakistan. Like many others, he grows a variety of crops, from vegetables to wheat, maize, and tobacco. However, his approach to farming highlights a growing concern in the country’s agricultural sector: the disconnect between farmers and agricultural experts.
Khan’s skepticism towards the advice from local Agriculture Department offices is palpable. “I don’t trust the officers who sit behind desks and never visit the field,” he says. His sentiment echoes a broader issue where agricultural experts, once regular visitors to farms, now rarely step out of their offices. This lack of field engagement has led farmers like Khan to rely heavily on their own experience, sometimes with costly consequences. Earlier this year, his decision to plant cauliflower based on instinct rather than consultation resulted in an unsold crop, a loss he bears alone.
This disconnect is not just a matter of trust but a systemic issue, according to Dr. Saqib Hussain Bangash, an expert in crop environment, ecology, and agritech. He emphasizes that modern agriculture is not guesswork but a precise science. “Most countries are moving towards precision agriculture, producing only what’s needed, where it’s needed and when it’s needed,” he says. This precision is the essence of agritech, a field where Pakistan lags significantly.
The country’s agricultural model remains outdated, driven more by tradition and individual choice than by market demand or scientific planning. This often leads to an imbalance in crop supply, with some crops flooding the market while others remain scarce. Dr. Bangash stresses that food security begins with data—understanding the arable land, the number of farmers, and the population’s needs. Without this information and the will to act upon it, Pakistan will continue to face recurring agricultural crises.
Sher Bahadur, a 65-year-old farmer from Charsadda, shares similar concerns. He notes that when a crop like tobacco yields profit, everyone jumps in, leading to market saturation and eventual price crashes. This lack of planning affects both seasonal and experienced farmers, resulting in significant financial losses.
The challenges are compounded by alarming climate warnings. The UN’s World Meteorological Organisation recently reported that global temperatures could rise by 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels within five years, potentially causing significant declines in crop yields. Dr. Bangash argues that climate-smart planning must become a core part of Pakistan’s agricultural strategy. He points to large-scale initiatives in countries like China and India, where vast greenhouse facilities allow year-round cultivation by regulating temperature, humidity, and rainfall.
In Pakistan, localised weather knowledge exists but is rarely acted upon strategically. Farmers in regions like Parachinar, Upper Dir, Chitral, and Upper Swat know about the timing of hailstorms, yet vulnerable crops are still planted in these areas. Dr. Bangash suggests focusing on weather-resistant varieties in these regions and growing staples like wheat in safer zones.
Beyond cultivation, post-harvest losses pose a major threat to food security. Proper storage and transport systems are just as critical as planting decisions. Dr. Bangash highlights hermetic storage technology as a low-cost, high-impact solution to protect grains from moisture and pests. Thousands of tonnes of food are lost every year simply because of inadequate storage.
The future of Pakistan’s agriculture depends on aligning farming with population needs, embracing technology, and preparing for climate challenges. Dr. Bangash emphasizes that agritech can help detect plant diseases early, track soil conditions in real time, and assist farmers in making better decisions. However, the human element is crucial. Farmers, scientists, and policymakers must collaborate to build a resilient system. The path forward requires not just growing crops but growing them smartly, with precision and foresight.