Pakistan’s first fully integrated digital agricultural census has revealed significant changes in the country’s farming landscape, highlighting smaller average farm sizes, rapid growth in livestock and wider adoption of solar-powered irrigation systems. Conducted by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the 7th Agricultural Census digitally mapped farms, livestock and agricultural machinery, providing policymakers with one of the most comprehensive datasets on the country’s agricultural sector to date. The findings offer valuable insights into evolving farming practices and the structural changes taking place across rural Pakistan.
The census recorded 11.10 million farms nationwide, representing a substantial increase over the previous census. However, while the number of farms has grown significantly, the total agricultural land has expanded at a much slower pace, resulting in a noticeable decline in average farm size. The data indicates that farmland is becoming increasingly fragmented, reflecting changing land ownership patterns, population growth and inheritance practices that divide agricultural holdings into smaller plots.
Another key finding is the continued expansion of Pakistan’s livestock sector alongside the growing use of solar-powered tube wells for irrigation. Farmers are increasingly adopting solar energy to reduce operating costs and improve irrigation efficiency, while livestock numbers continue to rise as many rural households diversify their income sources beyond crop cultivation. These trends point toward an agricultural sector that is gradually embracing modern technologies while adapting to changing economic and environmental conditions.
The digital census provides policymakers with updated information that can support evidence-based planning for agriculture, food security and rural development. By integrating digital data collection with comprehensive information on crops, livestock, irrigation and farm machinery, the census establishes a stronger foundation for future agricultural policies, resource management and investment decisions. The findings are expected to play an important role in shaping strategies aimed at improving productivity, sustainability and resilience across Pakistan’s agriculture sector.
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