Emerging Trends in Agricultural Practices in Pakistan

Study of cropping patterns indicate an increasing stress on food crops mainly wheat & Rice and cash crop 'the cotton'. Proportion of wheat in total cropped area was 34% in 1960, 36% in 1972 and 38% in 1980 and 1990. Rice shared 8% in 1960, 10% in 1972, 12% in 1980 and a little less i.e. 11% in 1990. Maize has maintained a share of 3% in all the census years upto 1980, whereafter, an increased share on 4% has been observed. Among cash crops, cotton had a lead with 9% in 1960, 13% in 1972, 12% in 1980 and 13% in 1990. Sugarcane had a constant share of 3% in all the census years. Oilseeds shared 4% in 1960 and 3% each in 1972 & 1980 and 2% in 1990 which indicates a decreasing trend. Pulses occupied 8% share in 1960, 9% in 1972 and 8% in 1980 while the percentage had decreased drastically to 5% in 1990. Share of orchard area remained constant at 1% in all the census years till 1980, whence it increased to 2% in 1990. Fodder area increased to 15% in 1972from 12% in 1960 and accounted for 14% in 1980, then 13% in 1990. Other minor crops shared 18% in 1960, 7% in 1972, 6% in 1980 and 9% in 1990.

Following table  gives percentage share of important crops in total cropped area for the census years 1960, 1972, 1980 and 1990.

SHARE OF IMPORTANT CROPS IN TOTAL CROPPED AREA

Above cropping pattern is a clear indication of Government's efforts to make the country self-sufficient in food grains and to increase foreign exchange earnings through export of cotton and rice. This policy, however, had neglected some other important crops like oilseeds and pulses. Shortage of oilseeds specially created severe burden on foreign exchange resources which needs to be avoided in future by encouraging/improving cultivation of oilseeds.