Sindh agricultural stakeholders have proposed establishing a think tank to address the critical issue of fluctuating commodity prices impacting farmers’ income. This proposal emerged on Wednesday from a steering committee meeting of the Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC) at Sindh Agriculture University, Tando Jam, chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Altaf Ali Sial. Experts, farmers, and financial professionals highlighted the lack of stable pricing mechanisms as a significant factor in the economic challenges faced by agriculturalists.
Dr. Sial advocated for legislation to mandate private firms in the seed and fertilizer industries to employ agriculture graduates. Deploying trained professionals as farm supervisors would enhance productivity and introduce modern farming practices. He also emphasized the importance of strong linkages between research institutions and relevant businesses.
Sindh Chamber of Agriculture representative Nabi Bux Sathio identified poor liaison among institutions, businesses, and farmers as a major impediment to progress. He recommended increased collaboration with institutions like the Tando Jam Agricultural Development Authority (TJADA), Horticulture Development Authority, and Export Development Authority. Sathio urged private companies to invest Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds in research facilities, educational programs, and laboratory equipment to upgrade university resources.
Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) representative Muhammad Younus Soomro urged commercial banks to invest more in agriculture. An effective plan is needed to enhance local sales and export potential of agricultural products, involving strong linkages among export promotion agencies, businesses, and farmers.
Dean Faculty of Crop Protection, Dr. Abdul Mubeen Lodhi, advised offering paid internships in the private sector to students. ORIC Director Dr. Tanveer Fatima Miano proposed establishing a “Mustali Unit” in Karachi, focusing on agricultural products, byproducts, and discoveries to bridge the gap between research and the market. She emphasized the establishment of processing plants for commodities like onions, chilies, mangoes, bananas, and tomatoes, coupled with a comprehensive approach to boost local distribution and exports.
Business Incubation Center Director Dr. Muhammad Saleem Serki emphasized the need to view agriculture as a profitable business rather than a traditional occupation. This shift requires proper guidance, research, market access, and promoting joint publicprivate initiatives.