Agriculture encompasses both the science and the art of cultivating the land to produce a wide range of goods, from food crops to livestock. It involves multiple practices such as soil management, crop rotation, and animal husbandry to optimize yields and ensure sustainable farming. Agricultural land is specifically defined as any land designated for the purpose of farming activities. Within this domain, there are three primary classifications of agricultural land, each serving unique purposes:
1. Arable Land
Arable land is specifically designated for the cultivation of crops, particularly those such as grains, legumes, and vegetables. This type of land is important for growing cereals like wheat and rice, as well as for temporary uses such as mowing meadows for hay or establishing kitchen gardens for personal consumption. The soil in arable areas is typically fertile and well-drained, enabling efficient crop growth. Additionally, arable land might be left fallow or temporarily used for pasture to regenerate soil health and replenish nutrients.
2. Permanent Cropland
Permanent cropland refers to land that is consistently cultivated with specific crops that do not require regular replanting after each harvest cycle. This type of land is often used for perennial crops such as fruit trees, grapevines, coffee plants, or rubber trees. The advantage of permanent cropland lies in its ability to produce yields over extended periods without the need for annual planting, thus reducing soil disturbance and fostering biodiversity within the ecosystem.
3. Permanent Grassland
Permanent grassland is characterized by an extensive coverage of grasses and other herbaceous vegetation, forming a stable ecosystem that supports various forms of wildlife and grazing animals. Unlike arable and permanent cropland, permanent grassland is not routinely tilled or cultivated. This ecosystem typically maintains its ecological balance through natural processes, and it serves as essential pasture land for livestock, providing forage that is vital for their sustenance. The absence of regular plowing helps conserve soil quality and supports the growth of native plant species, contributing to overall biodiversity. Collectively, these classifications reflect the diverse and complex nature of agricultural practices, emphasizing the importance of sustainable land use in food production and ecological stewardship.
Agricultural Land in Pakistan
Pakistan is renowned for its vast agricultural landscape, which plays a crucial role in the nation’s economy and cultural fabric. The agricultural sector is a significant pillar of Pakistan’s economy, contributing over 21% to the country’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It ranks as the second largest economic sector in the nation, underscoring its importance for both livelihood and food security.
The country is celebrated as one of the leading exporters of essential crops such as rice, cotton, sugarcane, and corn. This flourishing agricultural output not only fulfills domestic needs but also positions Pakistan as a vital player in the global market for these commodities. A staggering more than 40% of Pakistan's workforce is employed within this sector, highlighting agriculture’s role as a primary driver of economic growth and development.
In light of the pressing challenges posed by urbanization, the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Mr. Abdul Haleem Qasuria, has recently taken significant steps to safeguard the nation’s agricultural land. He has instructed relevant officials to implement proactive measures designed to prevent housing societies from encroaching upon and degrading agricultural infrastructure. This initiative aims to ensure the preservation of fertile land and maintain the integrity of Pakistan’s agricultural framework, which is essential for the country’s long-term economic stability and food production capacity.
Disadvantages of Urbanization
Most of the agricultural land will be found outside the urban areas. As a result, the housing societies and project developers target this land and ultimately the land is destroyed.
Well, the obvious question from you is why the land owner sells their land to these types of people, and the first answer is money and the other is the pressure that can not be handled by them that is coming from Mafias.
Suppose, the process of selling the land for housing societies and construction continues, then in the future, there will be no crops to feed the locals, so will not able to export it either. It is essential to protect the land where we can grow crops; it is necessary for our nation's survival and the overall economy. In addition, if these things continue, Pakistan’s economy will face the below considering percentage of our GDP. At the same time, they also have over 40 percent of the nation’s workforce (USAID, 2020). In addition, we have to develop and encourage a housing society that is sustainable and protects land farming and agricultural land such as Blue World City Islamabad is giving the concept of an organic zone dedicated to farming and agricultural activities.
Pakistan has gained 2518887.38 million from the agriculture sector from 2006 until 2021, reaching an all-time high of 8791447.00 million PKR in 2021. The arable land in Pakistan is about 40% of the total land area, approximately 90 percent located in the Indus River.
Mr. Abdul Haleem Qasuria issued the notices in his meeting and also expressed that the housing societies and other construction projects shall not develop on agricultural lands.
He also acknowledges that Pakistan is an agricultural country, and this sector is important for Pakistan. According to an assessment, around 70 percent of the people depend on agriculture, without further planning, construction on such land will cause massive problems for the nation in the future. (Bureau Report, 2023)
An initiative has been taken by the government of Pakistan named "Prime Minister’s Agriculture Emergency Programme” which aims to improve the agricultural sector in the next five years.
Conclusion
The agricultural sector of Pakistan is essential for us for the present and also for the future as well, because 70% of the country lies in agriculture. If we don't take any action on building and constructing new projects on agricultural land, we will face the day when we have to face food and crop shortages. As a result, we will be unable to produce and export crops and food.
On the other hand, the government of Pakistan must closely monitor such activities; they do not know what is happening unless the problem comes to their home. Therefore, they have to conduct regular surveys to ensure that everything is going smoothly and up to the mark.