As farmers consider the future of agriculture around the globe, we were interested to hear their thoughts on how their governments can enact policy to support farmers and the agriculture industry.

What is the most important policy change your government could enact to support agriculture in your country?

Tariq  Zaman  Khan (Pakistan):  As Pakistan is an agriculture-based country and a major part of the economy of Pakistan depends on agriculture,  government support is not adequate regarding provision of fertilizers and pesticides as a majority are imported and are expensive.  And then there is the energy crisis.  A subsidy should be given for electricity, as a majority of the agricultural land is irrigated with help of tube wells.  Apart from that, education regarding crop management practices like plant population, weed control , adequate plant protection measures and using right genetics at the right time can be helpful.

Olga Alcaraz Andrade (Mexico): Access to crop insurance and price hedging in the contract farming scheme, before planting (not when it suits the industry). Also, [it would be helpful] to analyze the actual costs of production, and subsidize production in the areas that are needed.