Diversification Imperative:
Wheat and rice occupy 80% of irrigated land but provide diminishing returns.
Promising Alternatives:
- Olives: Balochistan trials show 5x higher income than wheat
- Quinoa: Uses 70% less water than rice, with better nutrition
- Berries: Export prices 10x higher than traditional crops
Transition Challenges:
- 90% farmers fear changing crops
- No insurance for experimental crops
- Lack of processing infrastructure
Policy Recommendations:
Crop substitution programs with guaranteed prices could revolutionize rural economies.
