Introduction

Agriculture constitutes the largest sector of our economy. Majority of the population, directly or indirectly, dependent on this sector. It contributes about 24 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and accounts for half of employed labour force and is the largest source of foreign exchange earnings. It feeds whole rural and urban population. Realizing its importance, planners and policy makers are always keen to have reliable area and production statistics of agricultural crops well in time. Policy makers primarily need accurate and timely statistics for the important crops such as wheat, cotton, rice, sugarcane, maize etc. However, in recent years, due to persistent hikes in the prices of essential commodities like pulses, onions, potatoes, chillies and tomatoes these crops have also gained in economic importance.

Punjab

Acreage Estimate:

The 1st and 2nd Estimates of area sown under 12 major crops are arrived at through Sample Surveys undertaken by the Directorate of Crop Reporting Service, Punjab. The final estimates of area sown under all crops are based on complete enumeration (Girdawari) of all Mouzas carried out by Patwaris of Revenue Department twice a year.

The information gathered by Patwaris is passed on by the Revenue Department to the Provincial Bureau of Statistics for preparation of computerized Jinswar statements. The acreage statistics included in the 1st and 2nd estimates are approved by the Secretary, Agriculture Department at his level.

The final acreage estimates based on the Girdawari are approved by the Provincial Agriculture Statistics Coordination Board headed by the Chairman, Planning Board, Punjab.

Production Estimates:

Preliminary production estimates of 12 major crops are based on opinion survey undertaken by the Crop Reporting Service of Agriculture Department. These estimates are approved by Secretary, Agriculture Department. For final yield estimates, crop cutting surveys are conducted by the Crop Reporting Service for wheat, cotton and rice. Grower’s Opinion survey are used for other crops. The final estimates of major crops are cleared by the Provincial Agriculture Statistics Coordination Board.

Sindh

Acreage Estimate:

In the Sindh, 1st estimate relates to area sown under all crops of area sown. The 2nd estimate which is final in case of area and preliminary in case of production in respect of wheat, cotton and rice is prepared on the basis of Sample Survey undertaken by the Statistical staff of Provincial Agricultural Extension. Final Estimate is the verification of 2nd Estimate. Area sown of wheat, cotton and rice is obtained by applying raising factors to the area surveyed at the district level. Provincial estimates are obtained by summing the district estimates.

The area of other crops is obtained from the District Revenue Offices. The consolidated information is examined by a sub-committee comprising representatives of the Provincial Revenue, Agriculture, Irrigation and Bureau of Statistics Departments. The 1st and 2nd Estimates are approved by the Secretary, Agriculture. The Final Estimates are approved by the Provincial Agriculture Statistics Coordination Board headed by Additional Chief Secretary (Dev), where Pakistan Bureau of Statistics is also representative.

Production Estimates:

In Sindh preliminary estimates of production for all major crops are based on subjective judgment of the Agricultural Extension Staff. For final estimates, crop-cutting surveys are conducted for wheat, cotton and rice. Production estimates for remaining major crops are based on subjective judgment of the Provincial Department and opinion survey conducted by Statistical Staff of Agricultural Extension. The final estimates are checked by a Sub-committee comprising of representatives from the Provincial Department of Agriculture, Revenue, Irrigation and Planning & Development. The preliminary estimates are cleared by Secretary, Agriculture Department and final by the Provincial Agriculture Statistics Coordination Board.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Acreage Estimate:

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the 1st  and 2nd  Estimates of area sown for all crops are arrived at sample survey method for the selected districts. However for unsettled districts area figures are based on subjective judgment of Crop reporting survey. The final estimates are based on Girdwari undertaken by the Revenue Patwari. These are, however, examined by a Sub-committee comprising of representatives from Revenue, Agriculture, Irrigation and Planning & Development Departments. The Final Estimates are subsequently approved by the Provincial Agriculture Statistics Coordination Board.

Production Estimates:

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, preliminary yield estimates of crops are arrived at on the basis of grower’s opinion survey undertaken by the Crop Reporting staff of the Provincial Agriculture Department and later approved by Secretary, Agriculture Department. The final yield estimates of ten (10) crops are based on the results of crop cutting surveys using random sampling technical. The final estimates of remaining crops are compiled on the basis of grower’s opinion survey conducted by the Crop Reporting Staff of the Provincial Agriculture Department. These final estimates of all crops are then examined by a Sub-Committee comprising of representatives from Provincial Revenue, Irrigation, Agriculture and Planning & Development Departments. These estimates are subsequently approved by the Provincial Agriculture Statistics Coordination Board.

Balochistan  

Acreage Estimate:

The Agriculture Department collects and compiles the acreage statistics through their Extension staff on the basis of their personal judgment. The final estimates of area sown for all crops are approved by the Agriculture Statistics Coordination Board.

Production Estimates:

In Balochistan, yield of all crops is fixed on the basis of subjective judgment of Extension staff of Provincial Agriculture Department.