Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, officially launched the Seventh Agricultural Census 2024 at a ceremony organized by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). This digital and transparent census marks a significant technological advancement in agricultural data collection in Pakistan.

According to Press Information Department, Minister Iqbal praised PBS for implementing a new automated local system, enhancing decision-making with accurate data to improve agricultural productivity. He emphasized the importance of this census in formulating policies to boost crop yields and support farmers, crucial for Pakistan’s economy, heavily reliant on agriculture. The data collected will identify areas for potential productivity increases and resource allocation to achieve optimal yields.

Chief Statistician Naeem us Zafar and Focal Person Muhammad Sarwar Gondal detailed the innovative features of the census, including its integration of crop, livestock, and machinery data, which is expected to save approximately two billion rupees. The digital infrastructure employed is set to save an additional 320 million rupees. This integrated approach will provide comprehensive insights to provincial and departmental policymakers through real-time data dashboards, enhancing the agricultural sector’s management and development.