Objective of this course is to understand and analyze the current events and issues that are occurring in agriculture and how they affect your future in agriculture. It is also helpful for the students to recognize and examine the relationships between inputs and outputs in their agricultural field to make effective and profitable decisions. This course assist to develop undertanding  major issues related to the agricultural sector, natural resource policies, and rural  development policies.

After completing the course, students will be in a position to understand the economic thought behind agricultural issues & policies in Pakistan’s perspective. 

Overview of Pakistan’s economy and role of Agriculture, major issues and problems in agriculture development of Pakistan. Agricultural Policy, policy goals, Policy instruments, policy formulation, tradeoffs between goals, Land Reforms, land tenure system, Agricultural pricing policies, input-Output pricing policies, Policy of Agricultural Marketing; agro-based industries; Agri-Taxation and subsidies, Agri. Credit and finance policies, trade policies for agricultural commodities, Farm mechanization, Agri. extension, research and educational policies, Irrigation policies of Pakistan, Institutional reforms. Rural development policies; Past policies and their evaluation.
 

Recommended Books

1. Ellise, F. (1992). Agricultural Policies in Developing Countries. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
2. Eckert, J. B. (1990). Agricultural Policy Manual: A discussion of Agricultural Policies for Development, Workshop Manual Series No. 2. Published by the directorate of Agricultural Policy and Chemonics International Consulting Division for EAN/Economic Analysis Network Project.

Suggested Readings

1. Naqvi, H.M. & Harold, J. National Conference on Agriculture Policies & Farmers in Pakistan May 19-21, 1992, Proceedings, Academy of Rural Development, Peshawar 1998.
2. ⦁    Govt. of Pakistan, (1988). Report of the National Commission on Agriculture, Ministry of Food and Agriculture,.
3. ⦁    Knutson, R.D., Penn, J.B.  & Bocam, W.T. Agricultural and Food Policy. New Jersey, USA:Prentice Hall, Inc.
4. ⦁    Salam, A. (2001). Support Price Policy in Pakistan: Rationale, Practice and Future Options, Agricultural Prices Commission Series No.196.
5. ⦁    Raza, R. (2001). Pakistan in Perspective (1947-1997). Pakistan: Oxford University Press.

1. What is the meaning of agricultural economics?
2. What is the importance of studying agricultural economics?
3. How does agriculture help in economic development?
4. What are the main causes of agricultural downfall in Pakistan?
5. How can agricultural problems be overcome in Pakistan?

Sessional:         12 (Class Attendance:2, Presentation: 4, Assignments: 6)

Mid Term Test: 18

Final Term Test: 30