Resilient Roots: Pakistan’s Rural Potential

nasiraijaz October 11, 2025

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In remote, water-scarce districts like Umerkot and Tharparkar, the rural way of life tells a story of struggle and hope

By Imtiaz Ahmed Khoso

The true power of Pakistan’s economy pulses not just through its bustling cities but in the heartbeats of its villages, where tradition meets tenacity. In remote, water-scarce districts like Umerkot and Tharparkar, the rural way of life tells a story of struggle and hope—a story that mirrors the larger challenges and opportunities faced by Pakistan’s rural economy.

The strength of Pakistan’s economy lies not only in its urban centers but also in its villages. In far-flung low low-deprived water districts like Umerkot and Tharparkar, rural life is deeply tied to agriculture, livestock, and traditional skills. These areas reflect both the challenges and the opportunities of Pakistan’s rural economy.

Despite the arid conditions and recurring droughts, these districts represent the frontline of Pakistan’s agricultural future, where resilience is cultivated alongside crops and livestock. As Pakistan’s agriculture sector clings to modest growth, with livestock emerging as a bright spot, the untapped potential of these rural communities becomes clearer than ever.

In Umerkot, fertile lands support the cultivation of wheat, cotton, sugarcane, vegetables—including okra, brinjal, and bitter gourd—and fruits such as bananas, mangoes, and citrus. The district covers around 501,000 hectares, with a cultivated area of approximately 355,000 hectares, and a net sown area of 90,000 hectares. Around 49,598 hectares are irrigated, primarily through canals covering 36,309 hectares and tube wells for 13,289 hectares. Agriculture and allied livestock breeding constitute about 63.5% of the economic activity in Umerkot. Despite this, farmers face hurdles like water shortages, outdated farming methods, and limited access to modern machinery, credit, and markets, often resulting in lower productivity and income.

Tharparkar presents a contrasting reality shaped by desert conditions. Communities rely on rain-fed agriculture, with annual rainfall varying between 100 to 700 millimeters, mostly during the monsoon season. Livestock rearing— particularly camels, goats, and sheep—is critical for these communities, providing both economic resources and lifelines during harsh periods. However, frequent droughts severely affect food security, health, and livelihoods. In Tharparkar’s six talukas, about 1.5 million people across 2300 villages face recurrent drought-related hardships, with households experiencing starvation on average 11 times over three to four decades. Water scarcity has led to national economic losses estimated at USD 1.2 billion, with livestock losses around 2.5 million head concentrated in drought-affected districts. These factors have intensified malnutrition, especially among women and children, and worsened mortality rates.

The broader socio-economic conditions remain fragile in both districts. Many villages lack basic facilities such as clean drinking water, healthcare centers, and quality schools. Education opportunities are limited, with many children unable to continue beyond primary schooling. Women, who comprise approximately 49.2% of Pakistan’s population, play an essential role in agriculture and household economies in rural areas, yet their contributions remain largely unrecognized. With a female literacy rate around 48% and labor force participation at only 21%, the majority of rural working women (76%) are unpaid agricultural workers, facing barriers in accessing financial resources and leadership positions.

Unlocking this potential requires more than conventional farming inputs—it demands innovation, infrastructure, digital access, and, most critically, the empowerment of rural women who quietly sustain these economies. When communities, especially women, are equipped with knowledge, resources, and voice, they become the architects of sustainable growth.

For genuine rural development, a comprehensive approach is essential. Investment in agriculture must go beyond seeds and fertilizers to include climate-smart farming, improved irrigation systems, crop diversification, and fodder banks to support livestock through droughts. Building rural roads, expanding solar energy access, and providing digital connectivity can open new avenues for economic activity. Education and vocational training for youth, alongside microfinance opportunities, can reduce poverty and rural-to-urban migration.

Equally important is the empowerment of women, the backbone of rural households. By offering training, market access, and opportunities in community decision-making, their potential can be transformed into a driver of economic growth and resilience.

In 2025, Pakistan’s agriculture sector showed modest growth of 0.56%, with declines in some key crops but a notable 4.72% growth in the livestock sector, underscoring its increasing significance in regions like Tharparkar. This growth highlights the potential for targeted investment to strengthen rural economies.

Umerkot and Tharparkar are rich in resilience, culture, and human potential. With targeted policies, empirical data-driven strategies, and active community participation, these districts can serve as models for sustainable rural development. Strengthening their rural economies would uplift local families and contribute to national stability, food security, and inclusive growth.

These are the places where Pakistan’s rural renaissance can begin, proving that strength, innovation, and hope flourish even in the harshest of landscapes.