AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has officially released the findings of the 7th Agricultural Census 2024, highlighting an increase in agriculture farm households to 11.7 million in 2024 from 8.3 million in 2010.
According to Radio Pakistan, the census data reveals a significant rise in livestock, which has grown to 251.3 million in 2024 from 143 million in 2006, marking an annual growth rate of 3.18 percent. Furthermore, the cultivated area has expanded from 42.6 million acres in 2010 to 52.8 million acres in 2024. Notably, 79 percent of this cultivated area is irrigated by canals and tube-wells.
During the launching ceremony held in Islamabad, Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the critical role of agriculture as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, noting its substantial contributions to GDP, exports, and employment. He praised the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics for implementing innovation, transparency, and precision in data collection, which are essential for planning the country’s economic growth and prosperity.
The 7th Agricultural Census, conducted after a 14-year gap, utilized advanced technology to gather important data. This historic digital census is expected to drive economic growth and serve as a foundational element for evidence-based policy planning.