ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) has initiated a comprehensive training program titled “First Digital Integrated Count” aimed at preparing Census Master Trainers (CMTs) for the country’s 7th Agricultural Census.
The training, launched at the National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF), aims to equip 311 CMTs with essential skills to train 6,500 enumerators and 1,368 supervisors across 160 districts in the country, according to an official press release.
This initiative marks Pakistan’s first digital and integrated census covering agricultural lands, crops, livestock, and machinery.
Dr. Naeem-uz-Zafar, Chief Statistician, highlighted the importance of gathering data on crops, livestock, and machinery for informed decision-making and assessing Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contributions.
The training program, divided into four groups, aims to standardize concepts and ensure data quality and reliability. Field operations, including the enumeration of large holdings, are scheduled from August to October 2024.
This effort is anticipated to significantly boost Pakistan’s economy and provide crucial data for evidence-based policymaking, positively impacting food security, employment, exports, and industrial production.
Chief Census Commissioner Dr. Naeem-uz-Zafar commended the Agricultural Census team and stressed the role of data-driven policies in advancing the agriculture sector, urging CMTs to actively engage in the training to ensure consistent standards nationwide. -PR
