Growing together: KCCI's agriculture committee promotes inclusive growth

As Pakistan navigates economic uncertainty, the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has taken a crucial step towards promoting inclusive growth in the agriculture sector. 

The KCCI has established an agriculture committee to foster collaboration among Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), corporates, and small farmers.

Led by Nausherwan Mughal, Chairman of KCCI's Agro Committee, the agriculture committee seeks to bridge the gap between stakeholders through public-private partnerships. 

The committee aims to educate farmers on modern technology, facilitate access to quality seeds, fertilizers, and medicines, ensure easy access to finance.

Pakistan's agriculture sector holds immense potential, with crops like rice, wheat, maize, and dates offering opportunities for growth. Dates, in particular, are a fully nutritious crop that can thrive in Pakistan's climate. However, challenges like climate change, erratic rainfall, and prolonged summers hinder progress.

To combat these issues, the committee plans to develop climate-resilient crop varieties through collaborations with international partners, including Japan, Turkey, and Tajikistan. These partnerships will enhance Pakistan's agricultural productivity and competitiveness.

The committee aims to engage with farmers, academia, and industry through workshops and seminars, fostering knowledge sharing and capacity building. 

Liaison with international organisations like the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and International Trade Centre (ITC) will provide guidance on climate-resilient crops and global best practices.

The committee recognises the need for a unified agriculture sector policy, particularly since agriculture became a provincial subject after the 18th Constitutional Amendment. This shift has made national coordination challenging, and the committee aims to facilitate inter-provincial coordination and cooperation.

Furthermore, the committee's chair acknowledges water infrastructure issues as a critical challenge and plans to liaison with relevant officials to address this concern.

As Pakistan navigates economic uncertainty, the KCCI's agriculture committee offers a vital platform for inclusive growth and development. 

By fostering collaboration, promoting modernisation, and ensuring access to finance, the committee aims to unlock the full potential of Pakistan's agriculture sector and contribute meaningfully to the country's economic stability.

The KCCI has taken the first step, but the journey relies heavily on how others collaborate. With the private sector, academia, and government working together, Pakistan's agriculture sector can thrive, driving economic growth and prosperity for all.