Agricultural Growth and its Impact on Food Security in Pakistan (1990-2015)

Abstract

This research study aims at investigating the relationship between total crop production and food security index in Pakistan since 1990 to 2014-15, along with presenting an insight into the relationship between agricultural inputs and outputs during the same time period. The main objectives of this study are: (i) to develop a food security index for Pakistan and investigate the impact of total crop production on the food security index from year 1990 to 2014-15, (ii) to descriptively analyse agricultural outputs and the major contributing factors to it during the same time period, and (iii) Based on the findings, suggesting policies that would help Pakistan became food secure. The impact of total crop production on food security index for years 1990-2015 was investigated, using a Cobb-Douglas type production function. Results show that an increase in agricultural credit disbursement improved the total crop production by around 19% which was also significant. The total crop production in Pakistan during years 1990-2015 had a negative relationship with the food security index while controlling for other variables, which is also significant.