Punjab Government Takes Action Against Urbanisation Impact

Urbanisation in Pakistan, particularly in Punjab, is posing a significant threat to food security and increasing the country's reliance on food imports. The Punjab government recently informed the apex court about the adverse effects of mass urbanisation on agricultural land and food production.

The conversion of fertile agricultural land into housing schemes has led to a decrease in local food production, impacting overall agricultural output. This reduction in food production undermines food security, especially in regions where alternative food sources are limited. As a result, Pakistan has seen a reversal in its trend of being a leading wheat exporter, now resorting to importing wheat worth USD 1 billion to meet domestic demand.

The shift towards urbanisation has also increased Pakistan's dependency on food imports, exposing the country to global market fluctuations and trade restrictions. This reliance on imported food has led to higher food prices, disproportionately affecting lower-income populations and exacerbating food insecurity and malnutrition.

Furthermore, the environmental impact of converting agricultural land includes biodiversity loss, increased pollution, and soil degradation, affecting local agricultural productivity. Urbanisation has also disrupted rural economies by drawing labor away from agriculture to cities, leading to a shortage of agricultural labor and intensification of farming practices.

In response to these challenges, the Punjab government has established a Special Cabinet Committee to address the conversion of agricultural land for residential and commercial use. The committee aims to devise policies to curb illegal development and protect agricultural land for sustainable food production.

The detrimental effects of urbanisation on agricultural land and food security in Pakistan highlight the urgent need for sustainable land use policies and practices. Balancing urban development with agricultural preservation is crucial to ensure food security, economic stability, and environmental sustainability in the country.