| Agriculture Deserves Priority No.1 |
|
|
|
Agriculture refers to production of agricultural goods through the growing of plants and the raising of domesticated animals. Cultivation of crops on arable land and the pastoral herding of livestock on land remain at the foundation of agriculture. Modern agronomy, plant breeding, pesticides, fertilizers and technological improvements have increased yields from cultivation. Modern practices also helped in raising poultry and fish farms that increased the output of meet. Selective breeding and modern practices in animal husbandry such as buffalo, cow, sheep and goat farming were not practiced. This overlooking has resulted in sharp decrease in animal population specially buffalos, cows, goats and sheep in the country.
For instance in Mandi Bahauddin district there was time when every farmer had a herd comprising not less then twenty to thirty animals. Big zamindars had herds more than two to three hundreds animals each. Even non farmers in rural areas would keep one to three buffalos each for milk.
Presently this district has approximately population of 1,500,000 and it is primarily agricultural district. For this population approximate number of animals is as under:-
- Cows 225784
- Buffalo 568458
- Sheep 16480
- Goat 183033
- Horses/mares 6369
- Donkeys 77775
- Total 1077899
Sufficient veterinary support is not available for the above population of animals. There is only one veterinary hospital located at Mandi Bahauddin. It is right at the centre of thickly populated area of the city with a small place. It is difficult for farmers to bring sick animals there. Veterinary staff is also short. A large number of sick animals die due to lack of treatment that causes a great loss to farmers. Besides, there is no stallion for breeding good quality horses at veterinary hospital. Similarly no good quality bovine and cow bulls are available to improve breed of buffalos and cows.
Industrialization has badly affected the agriculture scenario. People from rural areas are migrating to urban areas. Workers percentage employed in agriculture is sharply decreasing due to lack of incentives. Because of mismanagement of government, profit accrued to farmers is meager. Middle man, traders, smugglers and hoarders benefit maximum out of agriculture produce.
Government is requested to take notice of deteriorating situation of agriculture and initiate some long term measures for improving agriculture sector. For better future of Pakistan this sector deserves number one priority for development.
Gangly Khan,
Mandi Bahauddin
Users' Comments (0) |
|
(0 vote)
|
No comment posted
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
Views: 1983