INITIATIVES FOR THE SECOND GREEN REVOLUTION

The article by Sultan Ahmad discusses the need of second green revolution in
Pakistan. He tells us that there has been substantial increase in population over the
years as compared to the total agricultural output and there is need to provide them
with protein food enriched with high nutritional value. India had benefitted a lot from
first green revolution in the 1960s and Pakistan had benefitted only a little. The total
food grain and wheat output did increase but in a very sluggish manner over time.
Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, realizes the need for a second green
revolution in India because the first revolution did not benefit the whole of India but
mainly Punjab and Haryana. So for an agro-based economy, where 77% of the
population depend on agriculture, crop failure and related issues are severe. The
coming of second green revolution in India will reduce the abuses of the middlemen
and dominant ‘Mandis’. Moreover we witness large foreign investment in the
agricultural trade and export through joint ventures in India. A British company
FieldFresh and Indian business group Reliance have helped the Indian economy to
flourish by investing heavily in its agriculture sector. They have developed rural
centres for provision of inputs and for the handling of output on the farmers’ side.
Moreover, they have schematized better supply chains from production to export that
promise higher return to the farmers and lower prices for the consumers along with
high quality products. Their ultimate goal is to emerge as India’s top exporter. A big
name like Walmart is also planning to open its supermarkets in India.

Contrary to such exemplary development in Indian, Pakistan is far behind.

Pakistani Prime Minister, Shaukat Aziz, has been talking arbitrarily about the
reduction in retail prices by promoting cash n carry chains. But the mere idea is not
backed up by rigorous efforts, infact the consumer prices are highly volatile and
subject to a sharp rise as a result of any disturbances in the vicinities. In Pakistan,
traders of all kinds always seek very high profits, therefore charge maximum prices.
The Prime Minister’s solution to this price problem is increasing the number of
wholesale markets instead of organizing the supply chain system, which does little to
prevent the monopolists and cartels from hiking up the prices.

The agricultural sector in Pakistan is neglected severely, which has translated

into a sharp decline in the production of gram, mustard and rapeseed. The higher
support prices by the government has led the feudal lords to enjoy at the expense of
the heavy prices that consumers have to pay and there is no policy to deal with
middlemen who fill their pockets. India used great tactics in using the Pepsi Cola
company to increase its vegetable production and exports before allowing them to
start their bottles distribution, but Pakistan unconditionally allow foreign products to
be sold here.

Pakistan is now faced with a challenging question that whether it would

choose to systematize its supply chain system or it will let the artis mobilise their
political support and leave the consumers with no help? The need of the hour is that
our government takes the initiative towards the betterment and development so that
prices can be reduced and the quality of supply can be improved.
 LAHORE SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS

PAKISTAN ECONOMY

INITIATIVES FOR THE SECOND GREEN

REVOLUTION

PRESENTED TO: MRS AYESHA AFZAL

PRESENTED BY: SIDRA KHAN