Field work of Phase-I of 7th Agricultural Census will be initiated from 15th September 2024 after three days of comprehensive training of the enumerators in Gilgit and districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa & Balochistan. Gilgit, September 2, 2024 – The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) held its 5th awareness-building workshop for the upcoming 7th Agricultural Census 2024 in collaboration with the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan in Gilgit on 2nd September 2024. The event was inaugurated by Mr. Hussain Shah, Minister of Irrigation and Water Management of Gilgit-Baltistan. The workshop is part of a nationwide effort to engage stakeholders, including policymakers, agricultural scientists, and researchers, in the first-ever Integrated Digital Count of Pakistan’s agricultural sector. Mr. Ayazauddin, Member (C&S) PBS, in his welcome remarks emphasized the importance of accurate data for informed decision-making and policy planning in the agricultural sector. Mr. Muhammad Sarwar Gondal (SI), Member (Support Services/Resource Management) and focal point for the 7th Agricultural Census, detailed the scope and impact of the census. He highlighted that the agricultural sector constitutes 24% of Pakistan's GDP and engages 37% of the national labor force. He sensitised about the utilization of data for informed decision making and illustrated example of Pakistan success story of covid smart lock down with effective integration of census and admin data. He also presented different surveys and census activities conducted by PBS for provision of data for evidence-based policy making.He emphasized the importance of evidence-based policy planning to ensure food security for Pakistan's large population and the role of digital solutions in streamlining census operations. He also discussed the deployment of IT tools for data collection and the extensive operational network, including regional and field offices across all 157 districts nationwide. He also outlined the timeline for the census field operations, which will begin in September 2024 and will be continued till October 2024. Mr. Hussain Shah, Minister of Irrigation and Water Management and Assistant to the Chief Minister of Gilgit, praised the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) and its partners for launching the crucial 7th Agricultural Census. He underscored the need for accurate and timely data to shape effective agricultural policies and strategic investments. He affirmed his government commitment for successful implementation of the census, recognizing its importance for resource optimization, innovation, and the overall development of the agricultural sector.He appreciated PBS for highlighting the importance of data for policymaking and emphasized that all departments utilize the data for devising informed policies on basis of ground realities. Mr. Hussain Shah Minister Irrigation and Water Management, Government of Gilgit also inaugurated the Training of field staff for the 7th Agricultural Census of Pakistan, “The First ever Integrated Digital Count. Mr. Muhammad Sarwar Gondal (SI) along with Mr. Ayazuddin, Member ( Census & Surveys) and Dr. Amjad Javaid Sandhu Director General Administration also visited the training conducted for the enumerators of the Gilgit District and highlighted the importance of the training for quality data collection. The training focuses on standardizing data collection methods to ensure quality and reliability, using a blend of practical exercises, case studies, and interactive sessions. In the end importance of data for informed decision making was emphasized.
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