Agriculture and Livestock Census 2024

Agriculture and Livestock Census 2024 shows 97% of Pakistani farmers now own less than 12.5 acres, marking a dramatic shift toward small-scale farming

A Landmark Shift in Pakistan’s Farming Landscape

The 7th Agriculture and Livestock Census 2024 has revealed a major transformation in Pakistan’s rural economy, highlighting a trend toward smaller farm sizes, increased owner-operated farms, and rising livestock populations. Conducted after a 14-year gap, this nationwide census provides deep insights into how the country’s farming structure has evolved over time  and where it’s headed.1

Small-Scale Farming Now Dominates the Agricultural Sector

According to the census, 97% of Pakistani farmers now own less than 12.5 acres of land — a significant increase from previous decades. Even more striking is that 61% of all farmers now own less than 2.5 acres, a steep jump from 40% in 2010.

Key Stats:

• Farmers owning under 1 acre increased from 15% in 2010 to 26% in 2024

• Average farm size declined from 6.4 acres in 2010 to 5.1 acres in 2024

• Only 16,958 landlords own more than 100 acres, covering 6.2% of Pakistan’s total farmland

These statistics point to an increasing fragmentation of agricultural land, where more and more people own less and less land — a direct consequence of inheritance divisions, population growth, and urban sprawl, especially in provinces like Punjab.

Rise in Owner-Operated Farms

Another major finding from the Agriculture and Livestock Census 2024 is the rise in owner-operated farms, suggesting growing independence among small farmers and a decline in tenancy-based agriculture.

Changes from 2010 to 2024:

• Owner-operated farms increased from 6.74 million to 10.4 million

• Tenancy-based farms declined significantly

• Total number of farms increased from 8.3 million to 11.7 million

This shift represents greater land ownership security, which can have positive impacts on investment in land, crop diversification, and long-term planning for sustainable agriculture.

Punjab Still Leads, But Losing Farmland to Cities

Punjab continues to dominate in terms of total number of farms, boasting 5.1 million in 2024. However, this number is down by 217,000 since 2010, primarily due to urban expansion swallowing rural lands.

Other provinces and territories:

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP): 4.2 million farms

• Sindh: 1.8 million farms

• Balochistan: 630,000 farms

• Islamabad: 16,589 farms, mostly owner-operated

This data suggests that while Punjab remains the agricultural heart of Pakistan, its dominance is slowly diminishing in terms of land area due to rapid urban development.

Irrigation Expands, Rain-fed Farming Declines

The census also highlights the country’s growing reliance on irrigation systems, especially canals, which are critical for increasing productivity and combating the unpredictability of climate change.

Key Highlights:

• Irrigated land: 45.9 million acres (2024)

• Canal irrigation: Increased to 14.4 million acres (from 12.3 million in 2010)

• Rain-fed farming: Dropped from 8.4 million to 4.9 million acres

• Total cultivated land: Increased from 42.6 to 52.8 million acres

This trend underscores Pakistan’s shift away from traditional rain-dependent agriculture toward more controlled irrigation, likely a response to changing weather patterns, glacier melt, and water resource management efforts.

Multiple Cropping Expands Total Cropped Area

Thanks to the expansion in irrigated land and technological improvements, Pakistan’s total cropped area has expanded dramatically.

• Total cropped area (2024): 82.8 million acres (up from 68 million in 2010)

• Increase due to multiple cropping cycles — where a single piece of land is used to grow more than one crop per year

Despite smaller farm sizes, better cropping intensity and irrigation access have led to a rise in overall agricultural output.

Wheat Still King, Cotton Declines

When it comes to crop choices, wheat remains the dominant staple across the country. However, cotton — once a key export crop — has seen a steady decline in cultivated area, attributed to climate-related challenges, pest infestations, and lower profitability.

This change may also reflect a shift in farmer preference toward more lucrative or resilient crops like maize, vegetables, and fruits.

Pakistan’s Livestock Sector Sees Significant Growth

Alongside agriculture, livestock farming has seen impressive growth, with Pakistan’s total livestock population reaching 251.3 million in 2024, growing at an average annual rate of 3.1%.

Provincial Breakdown:

• Punjab: 104 million animals

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 48.7 million

• Balochistan: 47.9 million

• Sindh: (not reported here, but contributes significantly)

Notably, sheep dominate in Balochistan due to the region’s arid climate and nomadic herding culture.

The livestock sector remains a vital source of income for smallholder farmers, especially those with limited land resources. It supports rural livelihoods, provides food security, and contributes to exports in the form of meat, dairy, and leather.

What This Means for Policy and the Future

The Agriculture and Livestock Census 2024 provides policymakers, researchers, and agricultural planners with crucial data for shaping future initiatives. Some key areas for focus include:

• Support for smallholders: With most farmers owning less than 2.5 acres, microfinance, subsidized inputs, and training are essential.

• Land consolidation policies: To reverse fragmentation and improve economies of scale

• Water management: Expanding and upgrading irrigation networks while managing water use sustainably

• Livestock health services: Boosting animal care and disease prevention to maximize livestock productivity

• Climate-smart agriculture: Helping farmers adapt to unpredictable weather patterns

Conclusion

The Agriculture and Livestock Census 2024 paints a clear picture of where Pakistan’s rural economy is heading: toward smaller, more independent farms, stronger irrigation systems, and a booming livestock sector. While challenges such as land fragmentation and climate change persist, the data also highlights areas of progress and opportunities for innovation, investment, and policy reform.