Quetta: Balochistan Chief Minister, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, inaugurated the province’s 7th Agricultural Census, an “Integrated Digital Count” utilizing GIS technology, on Wednesday.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Provincial Minister for Agriculture Mir Ali Hassan Zehri, provincial ministers, advisors, assembly members, Chief Secretary of Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan, and senior officials from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
Highlighting its significance, Bugti stated that the census would play a critical role in boosting Balochistan’s contribution to the national economy. He underscored the importance of accurate and reliable statistics for informed decision-making, noting that the agriculture and livestock sectors are the backbone of both the provincial and national economies.
The Chief Minister directed provincial departments to collaborate with the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) to gather precise, multi-dimensional data. He also called for the data compiled during the census to be shared with the provincial government to ensure transparency and local-level verification.
Bugti emphasized the need for reliable information, expressing his commitment to ensuring that no inaccurate data is included in the census. He reaffirmed the partnership between the Balochistan government and PBS to develop data-driven agricultural policies, fostering mutual cooperation for the province’s progress.
He described the 7th Agricultural Census as a landmark initiative for advancing agricultural development and ensuring food security in Pakistan.