Launch of the 7th Agricultural Census 2024: A Digital Leap for Sustainable Growth
Karachi Web Desk: Marking a significant step toward agricultural development in Pakistan, especially in Sindh, the 7th Agricultural Census 2024 – Integrated Digital Count – was officially inaugurated today. Provincial Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Muhammad Ali Malkani, hailed it as a revolutionary initiative aimed at improving farmers’ livelihoods, boosting livestock productivity, and ensuring food security.
The ceremony, held at the Sindh Secretariat in Karachi, was attended by prominent officials, including Muhammad Ali Malkani, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries; Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Minister for Planning, Development, and Energy. Senior officials from provincial departments also graced the event.
A Transformative Initiative for Evidence-Based Decision-Making
In his keynote speech, Dr. Naeem Zafar emphasized the importance of this transformative census, stating, “This is not just a data collection exercise. It is the foundation for evidence-based decisions that will drive sustainable growth in our agricultural sector. For the first time, we are adopting a fully integrated and digital approach, merging data on agriculture, livestock, and machinery into a comprehensive operation.”
Explaining the objectives, Dr. Zafar highlighted that the census would offer crucial insights into Pakistan’s agricultural framework, crop patterns, livestock demographics, and machinery usage trends.. By leveraging modern tools like tablet-based data collection, GIS dashboards, and real-time monitoring, we aim to ensure accuracy, reliability, and timely delivery of data. This initiative aligns with international best practices and the guidelines of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).”*
Preparations and Sindh’s Agricultural Significance
Dr. Zafar detailed the extensive preparations, noting that 1,695 census enumerators and supervisors across Sindh were trained at 30 locations to maintain data quality. He highlighted Sindh’s pivotal role in Pakistan’s agricultural economy, with its 8.2 million acres of cultivable land producing key crops like cotton, rice, sugarcane, and wheat.
Bridging Challenges with Innovation
Addressing the gathering, Muhammad Ali Malkani underscored the census’s importance, stating, “This initiative is a landmark step in modernizing our agricultural practices and addressing challenges such as food security, environmental crises, and rural development. Sindh’s agricultural sector, which supports 37% of our population, forms the backbone of our economy. The insights from this census will empower policymakers to make informed decisions and foster sustainable growth.”
He applauded the collaborative efforts of federal and provincial governments, academic institutions, and other stakeholders, adding, “The data we collect will have far-reaching impacts, enhancing farmers’ livelihoods, boosting productivity, and strengthening food security.”
Commitment to Modernization and Sustainability
Syed Nasir Hussain Shah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing agricultural challenges through innovation. He stated, “Our government is committed to addressing the critical challenges facing the agricultural sector through innovative and modern strategies.. This census is a critical step in realizing that vision.”
Field Operations and Expected Outcomes
Field operations for the census will run from January 1 to February 10, 2025, with final results expected by August 2025. Journalists present raised pertinent questions about the 16-year gap since the last census and the reliability and relevance of current data, particularly in the context of the ongoing environmental crisis.
This collaborative effort between federal and provincial authorities, underpinned by technological innovation, represents a milestone in governance and a pathway to the sustainable development of Pakistan’s agricultural sector.
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