Risk Analysis and Sustainability of Alternative Crop Production Systems

Agriculture is the mainstay of Pakistan’s economy. Being the lynchpin of the country’s economy, it continues to be the single largest sector and a central driving force for growth and development of the national economy. It accounts for 24 per cent of the GDP and employs 48.4 per cent of the total workforce. Agriculture contributes to growth as a supplier of raw materials to industry as well as a market for industrial products, and also contributes substantially to Pakistan’s exports earnings (GOP, 2003). Almost 67.5 per cent of the country’s population are living in rural areas and are directly or indirectly linked with agriculture for their livelihood. Any improvement in agriculture will not only help the country’s economic growth to rise at a faster rate, but will also benefit a large segment of the country’s population.