Muhammad Saleem

Educating small farmers about modern agricultural technologies and expert practices can significantly advance the agriculture sector.

Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali, Vice Chancellor of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), said, “to tackle enormous agricultural challenges and ensure food security, we need to train our farming community.” He said that awareness and access to the latest agricultural technologies are imperative for small farmers to boost their income. He said that the agriculture sector is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy.

Modern trends must be reached out among the farming community, which will not only increase productivity but also raise their income. He said that in the face of agriculture related challenges of the modern era, adaptation of latest agricultural practices is essential to meet the demands of an ever-growing population. 

Shehryar Ahmed of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) told WealthPK that the university was not only empowering farmers to tackle emerging challenges, but also providing training to government officers working in the agriculture sector. He said that these officers would play a vital role in implementing strategies devised by the government for the development of agriculture.

He said that a couple of weeks ago, UAF organized a four-week workshop in collaboration with the Professional Training and Skill Development Center (PTSDC). “These training programs are designed to help officers learn important skills so they can do their jobs better and help make sure the country has enough food,” he said.

“Farming is changing quickly, so we need to teach our farmers how to deal with these new challenges.” He said that farmers can no longer depend only on old farming methods or advice from others. “They need modern tools and the latest information,” he explained. Teaching small farmers about new technology and smart ways of farming can really help improve the whole agriculture system.

“Technology is changing everything in life, and people are quickly moving toward using tech in their work,” he added. “However, we must remember that agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, and we need to integrate IT with this sector,” he suggested. Muhammad Bilal, a farmer, told WealthPK that although scientists claim technology is rapidly revolutionizing the agriculture sector, the reality is quite otherwise as many small farmers are not aware of modern trends.

He said that most farmers still rely on outdated tools and traditional methods for cultivation. Amid the changing scenario, he stressed that farmers need modern gadgets that can increase their productivity and profits. He said that farmers know that better knowledge and the right technology can help them grow more, earn more, and contribute more effectively to national food security.

He urged the rulers to help farmers cope with emerging challenges, noting they need knowledge and financial support to access modern tools and technologies. Bilal pointed out that cultivation patterns are changing due to climate change. “Every year, we experience the devastating effects of climate change on agriculture, and small farmers are struggling a lot to cope,” he said.

He further identified several critical challenges faced by farmers, including climate change, rising fertilizer prices, lack of quality seeds, and water shortages. Old farming methods can no longer address these issues, he warned. “Only well-informed farmers equipped with modern tools can achieve the desired yields,” he said.

“The government must educate farmers on modern techniques like drip irrigation, use of agricultural applications, disease-resistant seeds, and crop rotation strategies that align with changing weather and market trends. Without informed decision-making, farmers cannot achieve financial stability,” he said.

Credit: INP-WealthPk