Overview

Agricultural Economics is an interdisciplinary field that applies economic principles, quantitative methods, and data-driven analysis to address challenges in agriculture, food security, rural development, and natural resource management. Modern Agricultural Economics encompasses agricultural policy, international trade, agribusiness, climate change, environmental sustainability, digital agriculture, and agricultural value chains, with a focus on improving farm profitability, market efficiency, and sustainable resource utilization. The Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Sargodha has been offering Agricultural Economics as a major field of study since its establishment in 2012. In 2024, the department launched the B.Sc. (Hons.) Agricultural and Resource Economics programme to develop expertise in agricultural economics, resource management, and sustainable development. Currently, the department has 60 enrolled students, while 231 graduates are pursuing careers in various public and private sector organizations. The department is committed to quality education, innovative research, and professional development. Its academic and research areas include agricultural and agribusiness management, marketing, finance, investment planning, policy, entrepreneurship, rural and economic development, international trade, supply chain management, production economics, food security, environmental economics, and natural resource management. Particular emphasis is placed on addressing the agricultural challenges of Sargodha Division, Punjab, and Pakistan, including production costs, farm profitability, agricultural credit, market access, price volatility, value addition, water scarcity, and climate change. Through teaching, research, extension, and community engagement, the department seeks to strengthen collaboration with farmers, agribusinesses, financial institutions, government departments, development organizations, and academic institutions. It promotes applied research, evidence-based policymaking, digital technologies, data analytics, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and quantitative research methods to support agricultural innovation and rural development. Since 2025, the department has been offering M.Sc. and Ph.D. programmes to advance specialized education and research in agricultural and resource economics. The department is also accredited by the National Agriculture Education Accreditation Council (NAEAC), demonstrating its commitment to academic quality assurance. The department aspires to become a leading centre for agricultural economic research, policy analysis, and agribusiness development by strengthening research infrastructure, expanding institutional and industry partnerships, and developing skilled agricultural economists, researchers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. Its ultimate goal is to contribute to a productive, competitive, climate-resilient, and sustainable agricultural sector in Pakistan.