Agriculture in Pakistan

Agriculture is considered the backbone of Pakistan's economy, which relies heavily on its major crops.^[1] Pakistan's principal natural resources are arable land and water. Agriculture accounts for about 18.9% ^[2] of Pakistan's GDP and employs about 42.3% of the labour force. The most agricultural province is Punjab where wheat & cotton are the most grown. Mango orchards are mostly found in Sindh and Punjab provinces, making it the world's fourth largest producer of mangoes.^[3][4]

People rely on diesel to fuel their tractors, and consequently, an increase in diesel prices will further exacerbate their hardships.

Climate change has begun to exert considerable pressure on Pakistan’s agricultural sector, with rising temperatures, water shortages, and unpredictable weather patterns affecting both crop quality and yield.^[5] In response, the country has seen the emergence of agritech initiatives promoting modern farming practices such as precision agriculture, solar-powered irrigation, and mobile advisory platforms. These digital tools help farmers receive timely weather alerts, market rates, and pest control guidance, particularly in Punjab and Sindh, where farming is most concentrated. Efforts are also underway to train farmers in sustainable techniques to enhance resilience and reduce dependency on diesel-powered machinery.

Pakistan is a net importer of petroleum products, and any depreciation in the value of the rupee against the dollar has also led to higher prices for both petrol and diesel, which are extensively used by the general population.^[6]