agriculture life

Overview

Agriculture is mainstay of Pakistan's economy. It accounts for 21% of the GDP and together with agro-based products fetches 80% of the country’s total export earnings. More than 48% of the labour force is engaged in this sector.

The Punjab province has about 29% of the total reported, 57% of the total cultivated and 69% of the total cropped area of Pakistan. It contributes a major share in the agricultural economy of the country by providing about 83% of cotton, 80% of wheat, 97% fine aromatic rice, 63% of sugarcane and 51% of maize to the national food production. Among fruits, mango accounts for 66%, citrus more than 95%, guava 82% and dates 34% of total national production of these fruits.

The mission is to sustain food security and support to national economy, making agriculture cost effective and knowledge based, with emphasis on farmer’s welfare and maintenance of the yield potentials.

Land Utilization Statistics

	Pakistan (Area in million hectares)	Punjab (Area in million hectares)
Geographical Area	79.61	20.63
Forest area	4.27	0.49
Not available for cultivation	23.25	2.91
Culturable waste	8.20	1.60
Cultivated area (7+8)	22.04	12.51
Total reported area (2+3+4+5)	57.76	17.51
Current fellow	7.05	2.06
Net area sown	14.99	10.45
Area sown more than once	7.52	6.16
Total cropped area (8+9)	22.51	16.61

Source: Agricultural Statistics of Pakistan 2011-12

Land Ownership Pattern in Punjab

Size (Acres)	No. of Farms (%)	Cultivated Area (%)
Less than 12.5	85.00	47.00
12.5-25	10.00	27.00
25-50	4.00	17.00
50-100	1.77	8.00
100-150	Below 1	2.00
Above 150	Below 1	4.00

Source: Agricultural Statistics of Pakistan 2011-12

• Total number of villages in Punjab  =  27059
• Total number of farming families    =   3864070  (3.864 million)
• No. of farming families having land less than 12.5 acres =  3667712 (3.67 million)

Area Irrigated By Different Sources                             

	Pakistan (Area in million hectares)	Punjab (Area in million hectares)
Canals	6.36	3.35
Tubewells	3.79	2.94
Wells	0.31	0.20
Canal tubewells	7.60	7.60
Canal wells	0.25	0.25
Other sources	0.31	0.09
Total irrigated area	18.63	14.41

Source: Agricultural Statistics of Pakistan 2011-12

Life style of village

Life in a Pakistani Village



A Way of Life…But More Natural 
Pakistan is the cradle of Indus Valley Civilization, civilisation that is spread over more than 4000 years of history. Archaeological excavations here have revealed evidence of the meticulously planned cities of Harappa and Mohenjodaro that lived and died along the banks of the mighty Indus and its tributaries. The ancient Hindu epics narrate life between the 7th and 5th century BC which carry rich descriptions of the land and people of Indus at that time. These relics throw light on the culture and changing architectural styles of Punjab since the Harappan age.




At Taxila near Islamabad, sites associated with great Gandhara Civilization yielded remarkable relics that showcase the magnificent age of Buddhism in the region.





But along with its magnificent past, the rural life in present day Pakistan is as rich even today as it used to be before. The lush green crops which ripen in summer to yield golden harvests, fruit laden orchards which bear delicious fruits similar to those of the paradise and above all a mouth watering food that makes many a chefs to envy. The luscious fruits are so dominant in Punjab’s rural culture that a special variety of mangoes is called Samr-e-Bahisht, literally meaning the fruit of the paradise.





The Punjabi folk in Pakistani rural scene are extrovert; sociable guys who like to eat well and dress well. Even in a tight spot, a Punjabi youth would like to twirl his moustache and say “Khair ae” (am quite well”) to those who ask how he’s getting on. He learns quickly and assimilates new cultures without difficulty; family honour is sacrosanct to Punjabi’s, but in other matters they tend to be liberal. It is a matter of pride to be “up to date”. Their enterprise and capacity to work hard are legendary and it’s a deep ambition of Punjabi guys to “be one’s own boss”: many an émigré Punjabi have started life in a strange land driving a cab or working in a café and gone on to buy out the owner within a couple of years.




A few generations ago, turban was the “crowning glory” of all Punjabis, but it has now gradually disappeared from the scene. It was once a symbol of Punjab’s honour and status. At the same time it offered a protection against the simmering heat in the Punjab plains. The kurta, a long straight-cut, loose shirt teamed with pyjamas, the loose baggy shalwar, or a kind of sarong called a dhoti or tehmad makes up the traditional dress for men. Winter sees the rustic Punjabi in colorful sweaters that wives and mothers are so skilled in making. A shawl in winter and a chador in summer finish this ensemble. When the urban, educated Punjabi steps out to work he will be in shirt and pant or a suit-sartorially indistinguishable from his counterparts in Tokyo or Toronto. Back home in the evening, he is likely to be found in more traditional dress.
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