IN a world characterised by rapid urbanisation and technological advancement, agriculture often takes a backseat in discussions about economic development.
However, during a recent discussion with the directors of the Inter-American Institute for Agricultural Cooperation (IICA) in Costa Rica, President Dr. Irfaan Ali emphasised the pivotal role agriculture can play in transforming economies and livelihoods. His call to make agriculture attractive to everyone highlights a crucial path towards sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction.

President Ali’s vision underscores the need to break away from traditional stereotypes of farming as a low-income, labour-intensive sector. Instead, he envisions agriculture as a major income earner and a dynamic career choice, especially for the youth. Achieving this transformation requires multifaceted efforts and a change in perception about the sector’s potential.
Firstly, investment in modernising agriculture is paramount. Technological advancements, such as precision farming, data analytics, and automation, can significantly increase productivity and reduce the drudgery associated with traditional farming practices. President Ali’s commitment to leverage technology to make agriculture more efficient aligns with global trends toward precision agriculture and sustainable farming practices.

Furthermore, developing robust support systems is crucial to attract individuals to agriculture. Access to finance, affordable agricultural education, and training programmes are essential components of this framework. President Ali’s advocacy for these elements shows his commitment to fostering an enabling environment for agricultural entrepreneurship.
Besides modernisation and support systems, President Ali recognises the importance of sustainability in agriculture. Promoting sustainable farming practices not only safeguards the environment but also ensures the long-term viability of the sector.

Moreover, President Ali’s emphasis on inclusivity is a key aspect of his vision. By making agriculture attractive to everyone, he aims to overcome the gender gap prevalent in the sector. Encouraging women to take part in farming and agribusiness can lead to greater gender equality and economic empowerment.

His call to action is not just about transforming agriculture; it is about transforming societies. By reimagining agriculture as a vibrant, high-income sector, he envisions a future where rural areas thrive, unemployment rates plummet, and food security is strengthened. This vision is particularly relevant in today’s world, where challenges like climate change and food scarcity loom large.

Dr. Ali’s vision aligns with the global imperative to revolutionize farming for the 21st century. By modernising the sector, creating supportive ecosystems, promoting sustainability, and fostering inclusivity, we can unlock the immense potential of agriculture as a major income earner. It is a vision that holds the promise of transforming not just economies but also the lives of millions across the globe.