Review of agro-livestock production in Pakistan, with reference to WTO

This paper reviews the current status of agriculture and livestock productionand its socioeconomic implications, with reference to marketing under World TradeOrganization. Statistical data have revealed that only 28 percent of total land areain Pakistan is available for crop production; remaining 68 percent is described asarid or semiarid and is used for grazing with variable potential. Forests coveronly 4 percent of total land area. The existing crop-production can be categorizedinto (a) cotton-wheat system, (b) rice-wheat, followed by (c) a system based oncultivation of sugarcane and maize. There has been no major change in cropping-pattern, except increase in mechanization. However, recent droughts havemultiplied the problem by reducing soil fertility. Raw cotton, textile products andrice are major sources of foreign exchange, amounting to Rupees 429.3 billionsduring 2002. Contribution made by livestock in foreign-exchange, through theexport of raw wool, woollen rugs, carpets and leather and their by products, wasrupees 53 billions, i.e. 12.34 percent of the total. Review of various reports hasrevealed that natural resources like land, water and forests have been heavilymisused, leading to severe drought, as has been observed during the last twoyears in Balochistan, Cholistan and Tharparker areas Excessive use of poor-quality pesticides and their residual effects has not only increased the cost ofproduction but has also caused deterioration in the quality of cereal grain, fruitsand vegetables, consumer's safety with subsequent decline in exports. Lack offacilities, like preservation and processing of surplus milk and slaughter-housesinfield areas, have not only affected food-security but also the export. Off and onout-breaks of diseases in livestock have exerted negative effects on socioeconomicconditions of the farmers. The paper describes various hazards affecting agro-livestock production and the socioeconomic consequences under World TradeOrganization (WTO).