Islamabad: The latest agricultural census conducted by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics highlights the dominance of small farms across the country, with significant variations in farm sizes among provinces. According to Gallup Pakistan’s analysis of the 7th Agricultural Census 2024, 57% of agricultural holdings are under 2 hectares, with Balochistan’s average farm size significantly larger than that of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The report, part of Gallup Pakistan’s Big Data Analysis initiative, examines the distribution of farms by tenure type, revealing that ownership is predominant while tenancy has declined. Punjab, despite having the highest agricultural output, also has one of the highest concentrations of small farms, with over half of its holdings below 2 hectares. In contrast, Balochistan, with fewer farms overall, boasts an average size of 10.32 hectares, the largest in the country.

The census underscores the structural issues in land tenure, raising questions about equity and productivity in Pakistan’s agricultural sector. Sindh presents a more balanced profile but shows a notable concentration of medium-sized farms between 5 and 10 hectares. Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa faces challenges due to land fragmentation, with an average farm size of just 2.20 hectares, complicating efforts towards mechanization and efficiency.

A trend analysis comparing data from 2010 to 2024 reveals a decline in the number of very small farms under 1 hectare, from 47% in 2010 to 26% in 2024. Additionally, the average farm size has decreased from 6.4 acres to 5.1 acres over the same period, indicating ongoing subdivision of landholdings.

These findings, sourced from the Gilani Research Foundation, provide critical insights into the dynamics of Pakistan’s agricultural sector, emphasizing the need for policy interventions to address the challenges of land fragmentation and to bolster productivity.