Agriculture sector has been playing a decisive role for economic growth, poverty reduction, employment, food security and development in Pakistan. Its contribution in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is 21% and also employs 44% labour force of rural areas. In this sector, wheat, maize, rice and sugarcane are major crops in Pakistan. These crops contribute to 5.4% in GDP and rice industry holds significant position among major crops in Pakistan. After Wheat, rice is major production among staple food crops in Pakistan. It is among the most important crops which have huge potential to increase agricultural exports for Pakistan. The government of Pakistan is taking practical measures to increase rice exports which, in turn, will result in earning foreign exchange, creating employment and better economic growth of Pakistan. Developing countries like Pakistan are facing issues of trade deficit, the increase in rice exports will also help to maintain trade balance. Although, Pakistan has obtained a remarkable position in global rice market for exporting local rice to Africa, North America and Middle East to accomplish its goal to increase agricultural exports, but still, it’s not using the full potential of rice industry in Pakistan.
Pakistani rice exports are witnessing exponential rise in recent months. In the first two months of current fiscal year, rice exports witnessed 37 per cent growth which can be seen as a success of Pakistani government vis-à-vis rice industry of Pakistan. The ministry of Commerce and Rise Exporter Association of Pakistan (REAP) stated, “The good thing is that rice exports not only in term of unit are showing improvement, but also in term of value posted massive growth.” The government of Pakistan aims to increase rice exports from $2 billion to $5 billion in next five years. In a nutshell, it can be said that the rice industry of Pakistan has enormous potential to contribute to Pakistani exports, reduce poverty, increase employment, and better livelihood of people living in rural area.
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