Islamabad, January 2, 2025 – The Europe Today: Planning Minister Professor Ahsan Iqbal inaugurated Pakistan’s long-awaited 7th Agriculture Census on Wednesday, emphasizing the critical role of accurate data in developing policies to tackle future food security challenges.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Professor Iqbal highlighted the alarming population growth rate, which has increased from 2.4% to 2.55%. “If this trend continues, an additional 380 million people will be added to the existing population of 240 million by 2047,” he warned, urging the need for a sustainable agricultural strategy informed by precise data.
The Role of Accurate Data
Professor Iqbal underscored the importance of reliable statistics, cautioning that flawed data could lead to misguided policies. “The planning ministry places great importance on accurate data collection. Wrong reporting will result in wrong policies,” he said.
The census aims to revolutionize Pakistan’s agriculture sector, long regarded as the backbone of the national economy. By integrating advanced digital tools and centralized dashboards, the initiative seeks to streamline data collection and analysis, enabling effective decision-making.
Key Features of the 7th Agriculture Census
- Comprehensive Scope: For the first time, the census consolidates data on machinery, livestock, and crops into a single comprehensive survey.
- Technological Integration: Leveraging advanced technology, including digital tools and centralized dashboards, to enhance data accuracy and usability.
- Insightful Outcomes: The collected data will provide detailed information on crop patterns, modern machinery use, and livestock statistics, enabling targeted interventions.
Professor Iqbal expressed confidence that the census results, expected by August 2025, would lay the groundwork for transforming the agricultural sector. He highlighted the necessity of judicious resource utilization and ensuring resources are directed toward strategic goals.
Strategic Importance for Food Security
The census will provide critical insights for addressing future food security challenges, fostering self-reliance in the agricultural sector, and ensuring optimal resource allocation.
“The census results will enable us to make targeted interventions and develop policies that will secure our agricultural future,” he noted.
Acknowledgments and Collaboration
The minister commended the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) for its efforts and thanked provincial governments and other departments for their support.
The launch of the 7th Agriculture Census marks a significant step toward modernizing Pakistan’s agricultural framework, aligning it with the demands of a growing population and evolving global challenges.
