The agriculture sector, revered as the lifeblood of Pakistan’s economy, stands as a pillar of national prosperity and progress. Contributing an impressive 24 per cent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), it not only underscores its critical role in economic sustainability but also reflects the profound relationship between the nation’s fertile lands and its enduring economic strength.

With a rich and diverse landscape, the country dedicates around 22 million hectares to agriculture out of total 80 million hectares of land. With its significantly fertile land, Pakistan has secured its position as the 10th largest agricultural producer in the world, a remarkable achievement underscoring its prominence in the global agricultural sphere.

Each year, the country’s agriculture sector produces around 40 million tons of cereals—mainly wheat, rice, and corn—17 million tons of fruits and vegetables, 70 million tons of sugarcane, 60 million tons of milk, and 4.5 million tons of meat. These abundant yields not only sustain the domestic population but also contribute substantially to the global food supply chain, reinforcing Pakistan’s pivotal role in supporting both local and international markets.

According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2023-24, the agriculture sector achieved a distinguished milestone, recording a growth rate of 6.3 per cent, the highest in the last 19 years. Additionally, agriculture exports achieved a considerable milestone in FY2023-2024 by soaring to $8 billion. This prominent feat underscores the sector’s critical role as the heart of Pakistan’s economy, significantly contributing to the expansion of foreign exchange reserves and bolstering the country’s financial growth.

However, this vital sector is not without its challenges. To fully flourish in its potential and ensure sustainable progress, it has become imperative to incorporate innovative practices and align agricultural methodologies with global practices. Such a transformation would not only tackle existing problems but also position Pakistan as a competitive player in the international agricultural arena. The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) has played an instrumental role in the evolution of the agriculture sector, taking the position as a conduit for stakeholders to access international markets by fostering a robust framework for the sector’s continued growth and global integration.

Earlier, the TDAP successfully organised two flagship events under the banner of FoodAg, which highlighted the country’s true agro-food potential by promoting a diverse range of products including fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat, dry fruits, rice, dates, confectionaries, etc. These events served as a bridge between local producers and international. Building on this success, TDAP is now poised to host Pakistan’s largest Food and Agro manufacturing event, which is to be held in Lahore from February 26-28, 2025.

The theme of this event, “Where innovation fuels the future of food”, reflects the forward-thinking nature of the occasion as it embraces cutting-edge innovation respective to the sector. This three-day exhibition showcases advanced food industry technologies for local manufacturers. The key areas of focus are ingredients, food processing, food packaging, and supply chain solutions. The exhibition will inspire greater efficiency, enhanced output, and competitiveness, all the while showcasing the innovative approaches being adopted and their impact on increasing output.

FoodAg Manufacturing will offer an unparalleled platform for local manufacturers to engage with industry leaders, discuss challenges, and explore viable solutions. It will also serve as a hub for professional networking, fostering international partnerships, and showcasing pioneering innovations, including new product launches, collaborative endeavors, and joint ventures. Further, the event’s ‘Hall of Fame’ will stand as a spot that celebrates the industry’s evolution, exclusively dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge features that have revolutionised the industry over the last decade.

Another important feature of FoodAg manufacturing is the Food Summit, a platform where more than 50 manufacturers all around the world will participate and discuss the visionary metaverse factories, food safety and resilience, circular ecosystems, and sustainability-linked finance models. By exploring new horizons and connecting with a global network of businesses, the event will showcase dynamic trending products and innovative approaches in the industry.

Through TDAP’s visionary efforts, FoodAg Manufacturing promises to be a transformative initiative for Pakistan’s food and beverages sector. By uniting all stakeholders under one roof, the event will drive efficiency, foster innovation, and propel Pakistan’s food and agriculture industry toward a sustainable and prosperous future—cementing its role as a vital engine of economic growth.

This content is an advertisement by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and is not associated with or necessarily reflective of the views of Dawn.com or its editorial staff.

The cover photo is taken from stock images.