ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, inaugurated the 7th Agriculture Census on Wednesday Jan 01, underscoring the critical role of accurate data collection in tackling food security challenges.
Addressing the launch ceremony, the minister highlighted the importance of reliable statistics for informed policy making and advocated for the adoption of digital tools in data gathering processes. He cautioned against the rapid population growth rate, which has risen from 2.4% to 2.55%, warning that if unchecked, Pakistan’s population could swell by an additional 380 million by 2047, reaching a staggering 620 million.
Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the need for a robust agricultural strategy informed by precise data to address future food security needs effectively. “Accurate reporting is essential to avoid flawed policies,” he remarked, adding that the Planning Ministry prioritizes credible data collection to prevent policy missteps.
He described the census as a potential game-changer for the agriculture sector, a key pillar of the national economy. According to the minister, the census results, expected by August, will offer critical insights into crop patterns, the use of modern machinery, and livestock statistics, enabling targeted interventions and improved resource management.
The minister also lauded the efforts of the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) and acknowledged provincial contributions to the census workforce. For the first time, all agriculture-related data, including machinery, livestock, and crops, is being integrated into a single comprehensive census to deliver actionable outcomes.
Equipped with advanced technology and a centralized dashboard, the census aims to optimize resource allocation. During the event, Ahsan Iqbal unveiled a real-time monitoring dashboard to track census progress and data insights, further enhancing transparency and efficiency.