The Sindh government has introduced new climate-smart farming methods to help farmers grow more crops using fewer resources. These modern techniques aim to save water, increase crop yields, and protect agriculture from climate change.
Sindh’s Minister for Agriculture, Muhammad Baksh Mahar, officially launched the initiative. He highlighted that while Pakistan has a small carbon footprint compared to other countries, it faces serious climate challenges like floods, droughts, and unpredictable rainfall. These changes are hurting the agricultural sector, which is a major part of the country’s economy.
To deal with these challenges, the government has introduced innovative solutions that can improve food production. One key development is the use of climate-resilient irrigation techniques. These methods can help farmers save 25-30% of the water they use for wheat farming while increasing wheat yields by 10-15%. This means farmers can grow more crops without needing extra resources.
Other advanced farming practices being introduced include double-row wheat planting, which reduces seed use by 60%, and the cultivation of drought-resistant crops like mustard. The government is also encouraging farmers to adopt tunnel farming for vegetables, experiment with saffron cultivation, and produce disease-free banana plants. Additionally, early cotton farming is being promoted to improve crop production.
A major part of this initiative is the establishment of a Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) laboratory. This lab will test pesticide levels in crops and help prevent diseases like Panama disease in bananas. By ensuring the quality and safety of agricultural products, the government hopes to improve exports and increase farmers’ incomes.
These climate-smart techniques are expected to help stabilize food production and create more opportunities for farmers. The government is confident that by adopting these methods, the agricultural sector in Sindh will become more sustainable, efficient, and profitable despite the ongoing climate challenges.
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