Greetings from YPARD Pakistan
Many thanks for this very informative and interesting forum.
Apart from Gender inequality, food security along with the nutrition deficiency is one of the major issue around the world which is interlinked with the climatic changes. Due to climatic changes agriculture lands are getting worse drought condition which is ultimately affected the production size and negatively impacted the income of the rural households.
Therefore, the role of agriculture extension and International organization to facilitating the development growth programs is really remarkable, but somewhere still there is need to improve the quality of work at the end of agriculture extensions, because so far it has been observed that the research is exactly not even delivered to farmers to be implemented the same for agriculture growth. Although we have great research work, but need to work on field demonstration program for farmers’ skill enhancement.
Farmers are already in great stress due to rising price of inputs supplies [Inputs material] in the market which is the essential part for agriculture growth and better nutrition value of foods by having a fertile land due to soil quality. Low production high cost of cultivation and low market price returns are the major issues for developing and under-developing countries. It has been stated by many young entrepreneurs that bad infrastructure is the major causes in increasing the cost of transportation of goods in remote areas which is ultimately double the prices of inputs supply in rural markets. Subsidies on inputs material is not actually delivered to farmers which causes to decrease their income and by this the low foods consumption has been recorded in rural areas. If the system may not be developed and monitored appropriately then the ratio of malnutrition may not be overcome anyhow. It should be in the consideration of policy makers and regulatory authority to take necessary actions and facilitate the farmers by providing price support program and field demonstrations.
Quality and certified inputs supply is also one of the major concerned, farmers have not enough skills to recognize the certified seeds and pesticides which is not harmful in terms of human health and crops nutrient value. While due to low seed germination the cost is usually increasing. So with the collaboration regulatory authority and policy makers the multistakeholders program will help to resolve the many issues and help the rural people to get the better livelihoods by having nutritious foods. Farmers’ community system will enhance the farmers’ skills by involving youth especially young women to participate in growth program and balance the gender equality in the country.
Women are playing very wide role in agriculture production and livestock, they will be the great assets to increase the production and achieve the SDGs goals in a faster track. Their skills enhancement will reduce the post-harvest losses, because they are the main source of harvesting agriculture crops in rural areas. Women are playing decisive role in livestock production from handling the cattle in their farms till milk production and strengthening the supply of milk in a great manners, there is need to encourage them appreciate them and empower them. They are the noblest assets for economy growth.
Kind Regards, Shahla Salah
Country Representative
YPARD Pakistan
Ms. Shahla Salah