Agriculture, livestock sectors cannot flourish sans rural women participation

MULTAN: Pakistan’s agriculture sector, which often described as the backbone of the national economy, heavily relies on the hard work and dedication of rural women, whose role in farming activities is indispensable.

Leaders of the farming community claimed that without the participation of women, the country’s agricultural system simply could not function effectively.

Chairman of Pakistan Kissan Ittehad, Khalid Mahmood Khokhar, while speaking in connection with International Women’s Day, said Pakistani women are working shoulder to shoulder with men in almost every field of life, but their contribution to agriculture is particularly remarkable.

He said that in rural areas women could be seen working in fields from early morning till evening, actively participating in various stages of crop production. “From weeding crops to cotton picking and from harvesting wheat to managing vegetables, women perform some of the most labor-intensive tasks in agriculture,” he added.

Khokhar said that the role of women farmers is often overlooked despite their remarkable contribution to strengthening rural economies and ensuring food production. “Without their tireless efforts, sustaining country’s agriculture sector would be extremely difficult,” he maintained.

He paid rich tribute to women farmers, acknowledging their dedication and resilience in supporting farming families and contributing to the country’s food security.

Renowned farmer Malik Muhammad Arif Kalroo also praised the role of women in agriculture, saying that rural women not only manage household responsibilities but also spend long hours working in the fields.

He observed that women’s labor remained largely under-recognized despite being a key component of agricultural productivity. “If women farmers are provided with better facilities, training and access to modern agricultural knowledge, Pakistan can surely enhance its agricultural output,” Kalroo said.

He added that women farmers were in fact the silent pillars of the agriculture sector whose contributions deserve greater appreciation and recognition. APP