1 research outputs found
Inclusive Agricultural Growth in Pakistan— Understanding Some Basic Constraints
Inclusive agricultural growth is important for overall
economic growth and particularly critical for rural socio-economic
stability and poverty reduction in Pakistan. The majority of Pakistan‘s
population and 44 percent of the overall labour force are dependent upon
agriculture which only accounts for a little over 20 percent of national
GDP. The paper highlights some basic constraints that have not been
explicitly addressed in the policy research and implementation and have
impeded inclusive agriculture growth. A descriptive analysis based on
data from the Agriculture Census of Pakistan and the Pakistan Household
Income and Economic Survey—both of which were conducted in 2010-11—is
used to show how high levels of poverty and its disparity across
regions, combined with the declining size of operated holdings and
associated fragmentation especially in the smallest size categories
which now form over 60 percent of the agricultural holdings in Pakistan,
are fundamental constraints. Poverty is both the result as well as the
consequence of fragmented markets, weak institutions including
governance; and, inadequate policy research and implementation. A better
research based policy understanding of some basic constraints, and the
variations across regions in such factors such as the declining size and
fragmentation of operated farms, rural poverty; and, the levels of
market development and institutions is essential along with effective
implementation. One size fits all policies have not and will not work.
JEL Classification: O40, Q15, I32, P46 Keywords: Inclusive Growth, Land
Holding, Land Tenure, Income Distribution, Povert