ISLAMABAD July 21: Chairman of Pakistan Hi Tech Hybrid Seed Association (PHHSA) Shahzad Ali Malik said agriculture development is one of the most powerful tools in the world to end abject poverty, boost shared prosperity and feed a projected 9.7 billion population by 2050.

In a statement, the official said that agriculture sector is the backbone of the economy, which provides basic ingredients for human consumption, raw material for other products, and meets requirements for industries. He said increase in agricultural production and  per-capita income of the rural community, together with industrialization, lead to higher demand in industrial production.

Shahzad said many underdeveloped countries have by now learnt about the importance of agriculture as a mean to attain higher per-capita real income.

He said the agriculture development makes a critical contribution to overall economic growth in many developing countries, adding that increased agricultural production also enhances demand for processing facilities and provides employment opportunities.

He emphasised the need to adopt innovative technologies and high quality seeds in order to enhance per-acre crop output, particularly staple food, including rice, maize, wheat and sugarcane to maintain food safety and security in the country.

Shahzad pointed out that food is more essential ingredient for life than the services provided by merchants or factories. He said agriculture has already made a significant contribution to the economic prosperity of advanced countries and its role in the economic development of less developed countries is of vital importance.

“Where per capita real income is low, emphasis is being laid on agriculture and other primary industries,” he added. 

Credits: INP-WealthPk