Developing Evidence Based Policy and Programmes in Mountainous Specific Agriculture in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral Regions of Pakistan
Developing Evidence Based Policy and Programmes in Mountainous Specific Agriculture in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral Regions of Pakistan
Abid Hussain1*, Saifullah Khan2, Shamas Liaqat3 and Shafiullah4
ABSTRACT
The article is based on a detailed review of literature, and synthesis of information amassed from various published sources. Moreover, salient outcomes of a multi-stakeholder discussion on mountain specific innovative solutions for potential up-scaling in Pakistan have also been highlighted to cover the opinion of technical experts. The data presented herein is important for development of evidence based policy and designing development projects in agriculture and related sub-sectors in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral regions of Pakistan. The regions are unique in topographical and agricultural perspective from other areas of the country. Cultivated area is just 0.57% of the geographical area. Operational per capita land holding in the region is just 0.05 ha (less than 500 m2) which is insufficient to produce sufficient amount of food to feed a person throughout the year. The arable land in the region is 1.37% of the geographical area. Thus, production base of the region can be almost doubled by bringing it under cultivation. It is possible through supporting rural communities in use of light to medium type of machinery, adoption of innovative technologies to harvest and use water, use of recommended agricultural production technologies, and through development of related infrastructure. It would require strenuous medium to long term efforts and substantial investments. Similarly, forest land with wood and non-wood products and grazing pastures along with farming and toursims realted
activities have good potential to fulfill livelihood needs of the people along with farming and tourism related activities. Public and private sector initiatives to improve agricultural resource base of the area have also been identified in the article.
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March 2022
Vol. 35, Iss. 1, Pages 1-258
