Pilot Survey and Adjustments

To validate and refine the digital systems and operational workflows designed for the 7th Agricultural Census, a pilot census was successfully conducted in carefully selected districts. This pilot phase served as a critical field test, providing invaluable insights into the practical challenges and effectiveness of the software applications, data collection instruments, and overall census procedures.

During the pilot, enumerators and supervisors used the tablet-based Listing and Enumeration applications under real field conditions. The feedback collected from these users, along with data quality assessments and monitoring reports, highlighted areas needing improvement. Key adjustments made following the pilot included:

  • Refinement of Field Instruments: Based on user experience and data validation results, modifications were made to the questionnaires and user interfaces to enhance clarity, ease of use, and accuracy in responses.
  • Operational Plan Enhancements: Field logistics, scheduling, and resource allocation were optimized to address challenges identified during the pilot, ensuring smoother operations in the main census.
  • Software Upgrades: Both the Listing App and Enumeration App underwent significant improvements to incorporate pilot recommendations. Enhancements focused on user experience, functionality, and responsiveness, as well as integrating feedback from the Census Data Coordinators (CDCs) training sessions, making the apps more robust and intuitive.

These adjustments ensured that the digital tools and operational plans were fully adapted to on-ground realities, significantly mitigating risks before the national rollout.

Trainings 

Following the pilot phase and iterative improvements, the Agricultural Census Project Management Unit (ACPMU) finalized all critical tools required for the nationwide census. This included:

  • Questionnaires: Carefully designed and validated to capture comprehensive and relevant agricultural data.
  • Instruction Manuals: Detailed guides outlining procedures for data collection, use of digital tools, and troubleshooting.
  • Training Modules: Structured programs developed to train all levels of census staff on both subject-matter knowledge and technical skills.
  • Audio Video Tutorials: The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) also developed audio and video training materials to complement in-person sessions. These multimedia resources provided accessible, standardized training content that could be easily distributed and reviewed by field staff, enhancing comprehension and retention of key concepts and operational procedures.

The training strategy was designed as a two-pronged approach to ensure preparedness across all teams:

  • Subject-wise Training: Focused on agricultural concepts, questionnaire understanding, and data quality standards to equip enumerators and supervisors with domain expertise.
  • IT Training: Concentrated on the technical use of the Listing and Enumeration Apps, tablet operations, data entry protocols, and troubleshooting digital devices.

To efficiently disseminate knowledge, a cascade training model was implemented:

  • Master Trainers Training: Conducted at the National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) in Islamabad from July 8 to July 15, 2024. This phase trained (352) Census Data Coordinators (CDCs) as master trainers who would subsequently lead district-level trainings.
  • Phase-I Training: Held from September 1 to September 3, 2024, specifically targeting enumerators and supervisors operating in the snowbound and challenging terrains of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK). This ensured the field staff in difficult regions were well-prepared ahead of the main census.
  • Phase-II Training: Conducted from November to December 26, 2024, for enumerators and supervisors in the remaining districts across Pakistan. Professor Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister PD & SI inaugurated the Training of Trainer in Narowal on 30th November 2024.This phase completed the nationwide training rollout, ensuring uniform capacity and readiness.

This comprehensive training framework, supported by multimedia materials, ensured that all 7031 personnel were not only proficient in using the digital tools but also deeply familiar with the agricultural data requirements and quality expectations, laying a solid foundation for the successful execution of the census.

Field Operations of 7th Agricultural Census:

Field Operations of 7th Agricultural Census conducted in phases.

Phase 1: Cold Areas Field Operations (September 2024)

The first phase of field operations was conducted in September 2024 in 24 districts identified as cold and mountainous areas. These areas were prioritized early due to harsh weather conditions expected in the winter months, which would hinder effective data collection. Covered 24 districts in Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Chitral, Upper Dir, and other northern high-altitude regions. Enumerators conducted in-person interviews with farmers and landowners to collect information on landholding size, ownership, cropping patterns, livestock, irrigation sources, and agricultural machinery.Local administrations provided logistical support for access to remote and rugged terrains. Special training was given to enumerators for data collection in cold-climate conditions in September.

Phase 2: Nationwide Field Operations (January–February 2025)

The second phase of field operations was launched in January 2025, with official inaugurations held across Pakistan. Field data collection continued till 17 th February 2025 in this phase.

Inauguration of Field Operations:

Formal launch ceremonies were held at federal and provincial levels, marking the nationwide rollout of census activities.The Minister of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, oversaw the inauguration events and Inaugurated the Field Operations at National Level. 

  • In Balochistan, the Chief Minister, Sarfaraz Bugti, inaugurated the event.
  • In Sindh, Mr. Nasir Hussain Shah, Minister for Local Government, Forests, and Religious Affairs, led the inauguration
  • In Punjab, the finance minister, Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, inaugurated the field operations on behalf of the Chief Minister.
  • In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Minister of Agriculture, Major (Rtd.) Sajjad Barkwal, inaugurated the field operations.
  • In Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the Minister for Livestock and Dairy Development, Sardar Mir Akbar Khan, presided over the inauguration.

Senior officials from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) in the respective provinces also attended the ceremonies. At District level the field operations were inaugurated by the respective DCs. 

Large holdings, termed National Certainty Holdings (NCH), are fully enumerated nationwide, while other agricultural holdings are assessed on a sample basis.

National Certainty Holding (NCH) Household Criteria: The households having land more than 100 acres, Cows and Buffalos more or equal to 50, Sheep and Goats more than or equal to 200, Camels more than 25 & Mouza Certainty holder (MCH) having land more than 20 acres, Cows and Buffalos more than 20, sheep and Goats more than 50, Camels more than 20 and yak/zomo more than
20. The all nomads HHs including Agriculture and Livestock holders and governmental farms captured during the census period.