Understanding CPEC's Role in Agriculture Sector Development in Pakistan: Issues and Opportunities.

This study attempts to identify major problems related to the agriculture sector in Pakistan and focusing on China Pakistan Economic Corridor's (CPEC) role in addressing these issues. The agriculture sector is playing a major role in the economic development of Pakistan and this sector has greatly sustained rural livelihood. There are three various stages for the successful execution of the projects under the umbrella of CPEC. The agriculture sector would be directly or indirectly benefited from these projects, currently ongoing under CPEC. Over the last several decades the country's agriculture sector has severely been affected, and the crisis in energy might be the prime reason responsible for this downfall. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, a comprehensive literature survey has been conducted. Scores of problems have been identified that has greatly affected the agriculture sector such as water deficiency, climate changes, long duration load shedding, traditional farming practices, poor extension services, high prices of fertilizers, land insecurity, etc. The outcomes of this study showed that the successful completion of CPEC related projects in the energy sector and infrastructure development will boost the agricultural output, provide job opportunities and poverty eradication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]