Agriculture and Food Security: "Tarraqi Pasand Zara'at aur Waafir Khoraak."

1. Achieving Self-Reliance in Food Production

Pakistan imports billions in raw agricultural products annually, including $612 million in tea, making it the world's largest tea importer. Pulses, edible oils, and certain cereals further strain the economy. Awaam Pakistan will reduce foreign dependence by investing in local capacity, research, and technology to boost domestic production of high-demand crops. Strategic initiatives in seed development, soil health, mechanization, and agro-processing will enhance food security, cut import bills, and position Pakistan as a competitive global exporter of staples and high-value crops.

2. Modernizing the Agricultural Value Chain

Pakistan's agriculture remains partly traditional despite high-yield seeds and mechanization, causing inefficiencies. Awaam Pakistan will modernize production through precision irrigation, improved seeds and fertilizers, mechanization, storage, and digital supply chain tracking. IoT-based farm monitoring, mobile advisory services, and climate-smart technologies will reduce post-harvest losses, boost productivity, and ensure global-quality standards. These reforms will enhance domestic food security and strengthen export competitiveness, transforming Pakistan's agriculture into an efficient, modern, and sustainable sector.

3. Empowering Farmers and Expanding Access

Small farmers make up 97% of Pakistan's farming community while owning less than 12.5 acres of land. Awaam Pakistan will empower these farmers through affordable credit schemes, subsidized inputs, and linkages to wider markets, complemented by training in sustainable farming, crop diversification, and digital technologies such as drone-based crop monitoring. Reformed agricultural extension services will provide on-field expert support, technical guidance, and access to modern equipment, ensuring smarter, more efficient, and profitable farming. Special initiatives will target women farmers, youth, and marginalized communities to increase inclusivity and equity in the agricultural sector.

4. Promoting Research, Innovation, and Climate Resilience

The floods in 2025 destroyed 70% of Punjab's farmlands, 60% of rice crops, and significantly affected cotton and sugarcane, highlighting Pakistan's vulnerability to climate shocks. Awaam Pakistan will invest in agricultural research centers, developing high-yield, climate-resilient seed varieties, sustainable soil management practices, and drought- and flood-resistant cropping systems. We will advance cross-sector agritech solutions for disaster prediction and mitigation, improve irrigation infrastructure, and promote renewable energy in agriculture. By bridging research and farmer communities, Pakistan can safeguard yields, reduce losses, and strengthen resilience against climate change.

5. Fair Markets and Global Competitiveness

Over 60% of Pakistani farmers earn below support prices due to exploitative intermediaries and weak market regulation. Awaam Pakistan will establish fair, transparent, and competitive markets with direct digital payments linked to CNICs, ensuring timely and full compensation. Crop diversification will reduce dependence on wheat and sugarcane, promoting high-value exports like fruits, vegetables, and oilseeds—potentially generating $3 billion annually. Strengthened seed intellectual property protections, digital marketplaces, and agritech incentives will foster innovation, attract private investment, and drive export-led growth, ensuring farmers fully benefit while positioning Pakistan as a regional agricultural powerhouse.