Arooj Zulfiqar

Pakistan needs to promote corporate farming to increase its cultivation area, which will strengthen the economy, said a renowned researcher. “As the world's population grows and urbanisation continues, it is critical to find ways to increase food production to meet the rising demand. One solution to this challenge is to support corporate farming,” said Abedullah Anjum, Chief of Research at Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE).

Corporate farming is a business model in which agricultural production is undertaken by large corporations instead of small-scale farmers. Abedullah said that flash floods during the previous year had badly harmed the farming community, and the agricultural industry as a whole, and threatened the safety of the country's food supply. “It is vital to launch an emergency agricultural programme and give farmers an immediate resolution to their problems as farmers always played a crucial part in resolving every crisis the country confronted,” he said.

Abedullah said the public and private sectors must contribute appropriately to enhancing the agriculture industry. He insisted that both parties should come up with strategies and invest in modern farming to ensure excellent harvests with minimal water use and other inputs.

Enumerating the benefits of corporate farming, the researcher said it allows for economies of scale. “Large corporations can invest in state-of-the-art technology and equipment to increase productivity and reduce costs. This increased efficiency leads to more affordable food for consumers and higher profits for producers,” he explained.

“Corporate farming can also help promote sustainable agriculture practices. Large corporations could invest in research and development to find ways to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture. They can use precision agriculture techniques to optimise the use of water and other resources. Corporate farming also provides better opportunities to utilise waste and convert it into fertilisers to increase soil health,” he elaborated.

Abedullah said corporate farming will create a wide number of jobs and boost economic growth. He said large corporations need a wide range of skilled workers, from agricultural experts to IT professionals to logistics managers. He said corporate farming can provide better employment opportunities in rural areas and reduce migration towards urban cities.

Despite its benefits, some experts argue that corporate farming has some potential drawbacks. One of the primary concerns is the displacement of small-scale farmers. “As corporations take over large tracts of land, small-scale farmers may be forced to sell their land and migrate towards urban cities. However, a well-regulated corporate farming policy can ensure that small-scale farmers are protected, and their land is not taken away by corporations,” he observed.

Abedullah said another concern is that corporate farming may lead to the exploitation of workers. “With proper labour laws and regulations, corporations can ensure that their employees receive fair wages and working conditions. Moreover, the shift towards corporate farming can help improve the wages of workers in the agriculture sector,” he added.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk