In a surprising move, Pakistan's powerful military, historically known for its dual role as guardian and governing body, is stepping into a new domain – agriculture. The military's ambitious plan is to alleviate the country's prolonged economic crisis by utilizing large tracts of government-owned land to cultivate food for the impoverished population.
This novel approach to food security was initiated earlier this year through a collaboration between the military and civilian sectors. The primary goal is to enhance crop production by establishing army-managed farms on leased state-owned land. According to reports from Nikkei Asia, the military intends to acquire approximately 1 million acres (405,000 hectares) of land in Punjab province, a space nearly three times the size of Delhi.
Supporters of the initiative argue that it will lead to improved crop yields and water conservation, addressing pressing issues amid dwindling foreign exchange reserves and escalating commodity prices. Leaked government documents reveal that the military will secure leases for up to 30 years to cultivate various crops, including wheat, cotton, sugar cane, vegetables, and fruit. Approximately 20% of the profits from crop sales will be earmarked for agricultural research and development, with the remainder split equally between the military and the state government.
However, this initiative has garnered criticism and concerns from various quarters. Many worry that the military's already substantial power could lead to substantial profits from the food security push, potentially exacerbating the plight of Pakistan's 25 million landless rural poor. Critics argue that this move could solidify the military's position as the nation's largest landowner, which was never its intended role.
Rafay Alam, an environmental lawyer, expressed skepticism, stating, "The job of the army is to protect against external threats and come to the aid of the civilian government when requested to do so. Nothing more, nothing less."
Moreover, the blueprint for this initiative remains shrouded in ambiguity. Details such as the timeline for full operationalization of these farms remain unclear. Much of the land in question is located in the arid Cholistan Desert, known for water shortages. An additional 110,000 acres of land slated for transfer is in adjacent districts. Notably, the Lahore high court had previously ordered a halt to the land transfer, but this decision was overturned in July.
Furthermore, it remains uncertain whether the land allocated to the military was previously under cultivation or controlled by small landowners. Fongrow, part of the Fauji Foundation investment group managed by former Pakistani military officers, dismissed concerns by claiming that most of the land was "barren," eliminating the possibility of farmer displacement.
However, this prompts questions about the military's ability to transform a desert into fertile agricultural land. Many army officers lack expertise in farming and typically adopt conventional farming methods or lease their lands to local farmers. There are numerous agricultural graduates in Pakistan with the requisite skills for this task, raising doubts about the military's role in this venture.
Past experiences with military-managed farms have also raised eyebrows, with reports of military owners exploiting impoverished farmers. Contrary to the military's approach, the Pakistani government's policy documents advocate improving food security by investing in small farmers and providing them with necessary skills.
In summary, Pakistan's military is venturing into agriculture in an attempt to address the nation's economic challenges. While supporters see this as a potential solution to food security and economic woes, critics and concerns about the military's expanding role in civilian matters persist. The initiative's success will depend on how well it navigates these challenges and ensures equitable outcomes for the country's agricultural landscape.
