Agriculture of Pakistan Essay Example for Free

Agriculture of Pakistan Essay Agriculture is a vital sector of Pakistans economy and accounted for 25. 9 percent of GDP in 1999-2000, according to government estimates. The sector directly supports three-quarters of the countrys population, employs half the labor force , and contributes a large share of foreign exchange earnings. The main agricultural products are cotton, wheat, rice, sugarcane, fruits, and vegetables, in addition to milk, beef, mutton, and eggs. Pakistan depends on one of the worlds largest irrigation systems to support production. There are 2 principal seasons. Cotton, rice, and sugarcane are produced during the kharif season, which lasts from May to November. Wheat is the major rabi crop, which extends from November to April. The key to a much-needed improvement of productivity lies in a more efficient use of resources, principally land and water. However, change is dependent on the large landowners who own 40 percent of the arable land and control most of the irrigation system, which makes widespread reform difficult. Assessments by independent agencies, including the World Bank, show these large landholdings to be very unproductive. Pakistan is a net importer of agricultural commodities. Annual imports total about US$2 billion and include wheat, edible oils, pulses, and consumer foods. Pakistan is one of the worlds largest producers of raw cotton. The size of the annual cotton crop—the bulk of it grown in Punjab province—is a crucial barometer of the health of the overall economy, as it determines the availability and cost of the main raw material for the yarn-spinning industry, much of which is concentrated around the southern port city of Karachi. Official estimates put the 1999-2000 harvest at some 11. 2 million 170-kilogram bales, compared with the 1998-99 outturn of 8. 8 million bales and the record 12. 8 million bales achieved in 1991-92. The government recently actively intervened in the market to boost prices and to encourage production. A major problem is that the cotton crop is highly susceptible to adverse weather and pest damage, which is reflected in crop figures. After peaking at 2. 18 million tons in 1991-92, the lint harvest has since fluctuated considerably, ranging from a low of 1. 37 million tons in 1993-94 to a high of 1. 9 million tons in 1999-2000. The 2000-01 wheat crop was forecast at a record 19. 3 million tons, compared to 17. 8 million tons produced during the previous year. This increase is due largely to favorable weather and a 25-percent increase in the procurement price to about US$135 per ton. About 85 percent of the crop is irrigated. Despite the record production, Pakistan will continue to be a major wheat importer. The government has imported an average of US$2. 4 million annually over the past 5 years. The United States and Australia are the major suppliers. Demand for wheat is increasing from Pakistans rapidly growing population as well as from cross-border trade with Afghanistan. Pakistan is a major rice exporter and annually exports about 2 million tons, or about 10 percent of world trade. About 25 percent of exports is Pakistans famous fragrant Basmati rice. Rice is Pakistans second leading source of export earnings. Private traders handle all exports. Pakistans main competitors in rice trade are Thailand, Vietnam, and India. Tobacco is grown mainly in the North-West Frontier Province and Punjab and is an important cash crop . Yields in Pakistan are about twice those for neighboring countries largely due to the extension services provided by the industry. Quality, however, is improving only slowly due to problems related to climate and soil. Farmers have started inter-cropping tobacco with vegetables and sugarcane to increase returns. About half of the total production is used for cigarette manufacturing and the remainder used in traditional ways of smoking (in hand-rolled cigarettes called birris, in water pipes, and as snuff). The share of imported tobacco is increasing gradually in response to an increased demand for high-quality cigarettes. Minor crops account for only 5 percent of total cultivated area; these include oilseeds (sunflower, soybean), chilies, potatoes, and onions. Domestic oilseed production accounts only for about 25 percent of Pakistan total edible oil needs. As a result, Pakistan spends more than US$1 billion annually in scarce foreign exchange to import edible oils, while its oilseed processing industry operates at less than 25 percent of capacity due to an inadequate supply of oilseeds. For 2000-01 total oilseed production was forecast to decrease 10 percent to 3. 6 million tons. The government has highlighted development of the oilseed sector as a priority. Pakistans fishing industry is relatively modest, but has shown strong growth in recent years. The domestic market is quite small, with per capita annual consumption of approximately 2 kilograms. About 80 percent of production comes from marine fisheries from 2 main areas, the Sindh coast east from Karachi to the Indian border, and the Makran coast of Baluchistan. Ninety percent of the total marine catch is fish; the shrimp which constitute the remainder are prized because of their greater relative value and demand in foreign markets. During 1999-00, total fish production was 620,000 tons, of which 440,000 tons consisted of sea fish and the remainder were fresh-water species. About one-third of the catch is consumed fresh, 9 percent is frozen, 8 percent canned, and about 43 percent used as fish meal for animal food. Livestock accounts for 40 percent of the agricultural sector and 9 percent of the total GDP. Principal products are milk, beef, mutton, poultry, and wool. During 1999, the livestock population increased to 120 million head. That same year Pakistan generated 970,000 tons of beef, 640,000 tons of mutton, and 190,000 tons of poultry. In an effort to enhance milk and meat production, the government recently launched a comprehensive livestock development project with Asian Development Bank assistance. Poultry production provides an increasingly popular low-cost source of protein. Modern poultry production is constrained by high mortality, high incidence of disease, poor quality chicks, and poor quality feed, combined with an inadequate marketing system. Frozen poultry have only recently been introduced. Forests cover an area of 4. 2 million hectares or about 5 percent of the total area of Pakistan. The principal forest products are timber, principally for house construction, furniture, and firewood. Many of the countrys wooded areas are severely depleted as a result of over-exploitation. The government has restricted cutting to protect remaining resources—though corruption often jeopardizes environmental efforts—and has lowered duties to encourage imports. Forestry production has since declined from 1. 07 million cubic meters in 1990-91 to 475,000 cubic meters in 1998-99. Pakistan imports an estimated US$150 million of wood products annually to meet the requirements of a growing population and rising demand by a wealthy elite.

Controlling Chemical and Biological Weapons Essay -- Exploratory Essay

Controlling Chemical and Biological Weapons History and Introduction Chemical and biological weapons (CBWs) have been used over the ages as an effective means of warfare. The earliest incident of biological weapons (BWs) occurred in the third century B.C., when the Carthaginian leader Hannibal filled up pots with venomous snakes and threw them onto enemy ships. (Cirincione, 48) Since then, biological weapons have been used very infrequently. This is mainly due to enormous cost required to create and handle BW's (many of the groups who have attempted to create such weapons have ended up infecting themselves more often then their intended targets). (Henderson, 25) In contrast, chemical weapons have been used fairly frequently in warfare. The earliest example of chemical weapons comes from the Trojan War when the Greeks "mixed sulfur and pitch resin to engulf enemy troops in toxic fumes." (Cirincione, 51) More recently the Germans and the Allies of World War I utilized the capabilities of chlorine gas in order to asphyxiate their enemies.(Slotten, 478) T hese weapons are thought to have been employed more frequently because they are more "humane" than biological or traditional weapons of war. Explains Capt. Alfred T Mahan of the U.S. Army after the Germans deployed chlorine gas during WWI, "the use of gases might make war more humane, instead of dying an agonizing death from horrible wounds, soldiers might be incapacitated by gas and then be humanely carted off to prisoner of war camps where they could quickly recuperate with no ill effects."(Slotten, 478) Though Mahan's rationale may be a little naà ¯ve, one can see why after the war there were many advocates for chemical weapons. Since their application in WWI by both the... ... the intelligence of the authorities in developed nations, who in turn can put political pressure on the nations building CBWs. Intelligence is the key. The more we know, the easier it is to stop terrorist groups and nations from using these weapons of mass destruction. Sources: Cirincione, Joseph, with Jon B. Wolfsthal and Miriam Rajkumar, "Deadly Arsenals: Tracking Weapons of Mass Destruction." The Brooking Institution Press, Washington, D.C. 2002. Henderson, Harry, "Global Terrorism: The Complete Reference Guide." Checkmark Boook, 2001. New York, N.Y. Moodie, Michael."Agents of Death." Forum for Applied Research and Public Policy, Spring 2000. v15 i1 p6. Slotten, Hugh R. "Humane Chemistry or Scientific Barbarism? American Responses to World War I Poison Gas, 1915-1930." The Journal of American History, Volume 77, Issue 2. September, 1990. p. 476-498.

Educational psychology Essay

â€Å"I want my child’s education to be holistic! † â€Å"I don’t like cramming and the loads of homework. † â€Å"I want my child to grow in a stress-free environment. † â€Å"The curriculum must stimulate reasoning and analytical skills. † At the beginning of every academic year this is what you hear from your parents. Newspaper and magazines highlight the stress and strain students undergo during examinations. Good as it may seem, this generate a false hope parents have woken up to view education from a different dimensions. It makes educator believe that they do not want to support a system that evaluates a child’s potential through marks and grades. The success of every child initially depends on parents only. But unfortunately parents suddenly realize the importance of exams, results, percentage and college admissions and begin to rethink and re-valuate their personal convictions. Then they say :†I must prepare my child to enter this competitive world†. â€Å"I must help my child to succeed in life†. What is this success they talk about? Is it a fulfillment of the child’s dream ? Have they channelled the child’s talents to achieve? Instead they run from pillar to post collecting question papers and application forms for all the competitive exams. There is no time to consider what the child wants and need. Children are not perceived as individual. Schools become factories churning out prize commodities. As long as parents fail to consider their children as growing individual with aspirations and talents, institutions will continue to capitalize on mass production. No doubt education is a necessity, but what do you want your child to be? Surely, not automatons and generators of wealth. The goal is to develop them into thinking individuals. Only then will we see change. It is the duty of educationists and the governing bodies to give a new meaning, a new direction and strike a new path towards a meaningful education. This is the foundation for a generation of sensitive and cultured human beings. I think this speech will bring a change in parents mind about child’s problems about their life. Thank you 2: A Parent’s Role in Education Home Education Parents have a vital role in their child’s education. By taking a few simple steps at home, you can help them enjoy school more, improve their studying and homework skills and prepare for college. The articles in this category, A Parent’s Role in Education, are full of tips on to help them with their schoolwork, such as creating a positive learning environment to making learning fun. There are also articles on warning signs to help you identify potential learning or school problems. A Parent’s Role in Education Nothing helps a child succeed like an involved parent. A little willingness from a child’s parents can work wonders in the classroom. Read on to learn more about your role as a parent in the education of your child. Creating a Positive Home Learning Environment Your child needs a special place to call their own. Setting aside a room or nook in your home dedicated to your child’s education will show him or her that you’re serious about their education. Read on to learn more about creating a positive†¦ Evaluating Educational Resources on the Web There are many options available when looking for additional educational help online for your child. An awareness of the costs, services, advantages and disadvantages is crucial. Read on to learn how you can best evaluate educational resources†¦ Improving Your Child’s Grades Parents play an important role in a child’s education. This article examines some very simple things you can do every day provide your child with the support and encouragement they need to take on the challenge of improving their grades. Improving your Child’s Study Habits Learning skills need to be fostered at home. This article provides tips for parents who want to create a home environment that will help their children develop and maintain positive study habits. Preparing a Child for High School The transition from middle school to high school can be challenging and bewildering for some students. Parents can help make this period of great change easier on their children and themselves. Read on to learn more about preparing a child for†¦ Preparing a Child for Junior High School The transition from elementary to middle school or junior high is a difficult one, filled with new social and academic challenges. Here are some tips to help your child prepare for this big change. Reasons Your Child May Be Struggling in School Is your child struggling in school? This article details several of the common reasons why a child might fall behind in their studies — and what parents can do to help. Recognizing Student Struggles 1 of 7: The Importance of Identifying Warning Signs The first in a 7 part series, this feature stresses the importance of recognizing your child’s classroom difficulties and resolving them quickly. Read on to learn more about the importance of identify warning signs and recognizing student†¦ Recognizing Student Struggles 2 of 7: Identifying the Warning Sign–Confidence Levels This article is the second in a seven part series aimed to help parents recognize the warning signs given off by struggling students. Read on to learn more about how you can remain aware of your child’s confidence level, and how you can help†¦ Recognizing Student Struggles 3 of 7: Identifying the Warning Sign–Grades As part of the Recognizing Student Struggles series, this feature explains what a sudden decline in grades might say about a student’s curricular experience. It also offers suggestions for the most appropriate methods of correction should your†¦ Recognizing Student Struggles 4 of 7: Identifying the Warning Sign–Attitude As part of the Recognizing Student Struggles series, this article explores the attitude changes to look for in struggling students and offers suggestions for improving a child’s educational experience. Recognizing Student Struggles 5 of 7: Identifying the Warning Sign–Homework Is your child struggling with their homework. A new approach and an involved parent can work wonders for a child’s success in the classroom. This is the fifth article in the Recognizing Student Struggles series. Recognizing Student Struggles 6 of 7: Identifying the Warning Sign–Class Standing This feature in the Recognizing Student Struggles series discusses the importance listening to your child’s teacher and making use of their feedback. It also highlights what can be done if you’re told that your child has fallen behind in his or†¦ Recognizing Student Struggles 7 of 7: Identifying the Warning Sign–(Lack of ) Determination This article (the last in the Recognizing Student Struggles series) explains several ways to assess a student’s progress and level of determination based on their responses to failure. The 28 educational standards of the state of New York The state of New York has 28 standards that guide elementary and middle school education. This article outlines those standards in detail. The Educational Advantages of Using Computers and the Internet Computer programs and the Internet create educational opportunities not available to previous generations. Read on to learn how modern technologies can become valuable educational tools. Transform Your Child’s Poor Report Card Have your child’s grades taken a turn for the worse? Did they just bring home their first poor report card? Don’t worry. Read on to learn more about how you can help your child transform his or her poor report card.

The Racial Stereotyping Of Minority Groups Is A Prevalent

The racial stereotyping of minority groups is a prevalent problem within the United State’s criminal justice system. It is a regrettable issue which permeates American society. The young Black male, in particular, is often portrayed as a criminal based on incorrect assumptions regarding who perpetrates crime. There are several components contributing to the criminal stigma of Blacks. The way crime is conveyed by American culture is possibly as important as how crime actually functions. The widespread belief that Black males commit the majority of crime skews the view society’s perception of Blacks. Typifications of Black males include a violent, threatening, thug-like character. The connection between race and crime is so deeply seeded in†¦show more content†¦Recently, these numbers receded but the stigma remains. Research indicates the crimes Blacks commit surpass the expected rates, based on the racial composition of America. These statistics are further exac erbated because Black males commit more frightening and violent crimes. The war on drugs was a dominant contributor to the â€Å"Black† typification of crime. In the 1980s, the Reagan administration waged the war on drugs. In accordance with this agenda, strict penalties were enacted to â€Å"crack down† on crack cocaine. Crack cocaine is a less expensive drug predominately used by the lower class, specifically minorities. The Black population suffered under these new laws but Whites were largely unaffected. While drug use is prevalent at similar rates across races, whites are more likely to use powder cocaine which law enforcement agencies tend not to acknowledge. Crack cocaine became the target of harsh penalties because it is affordable, accessible, and used primarily by Blacks. The war on drugs is occasionally referred to as the war on Blacks due to the high incarceration rate of the Black population during this time. Illegal drugs are often associated with robbery and assault which further perpetuates the stereotype of the â€Å"Black criminal†. The criminal justice system processes a disproportionate amount of minority offenders. The number of minority offenders is greater than their representation inShow MoreRelatedThe Life and Legacy of Dr. Kenneth B. Clark: The History of an African-American Psychologist904 Words   |  4 Pagesideas and problems that Clark addresses in the realm of prejudice and racism that are still relevant in social identity, education and the work place in America. Clark was a social psychologist who was a firm believer in equality, though he knew that racial division would be a difficult task to overcome, he still thought it was a concept that was necessary for America to progress. One of the many researchers that have continued Clark’s work is Thomas F. Pettigrew. Pettigrew (2004) suggests that AmericaRead MoreEssay about The Rotten Apple1131 Words   |  5 Pagesme. 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