Islamabad, Feb 9: In a bid to combat the growing challenges of climate change, the Sindh government has introduced advanced climate-smart technology to strengthen the agricultural sector. The initiative, spearheaded by Sindh Minister for Agriculture Muhammad Baksh Mahar, aims to enhance productivity, ensure food security, and introduce sustainable farming practices amid increasing environmental threats.
As part of this effort, the government has established a Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) laboratory to combat Panama disease, facilitate early cotton cultivation, and conduct pesticide residue testing in agricultural products. The move is expected to help farmers adopt safer, more efficient farming techniques while improving the quality of produce for local and international markets.
Mahar highlighted that while Pakistan contributes only a fraction to global carbon emissions, the country is among the most vulnerable to climate-related disasters, including floods, droughts, and erratic rainfall patterns. The agricultural sector, which forms the backbone of the economy, has been particularly hard-hit, necessitating urgent technological interventions.
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Agricultural research institutions in Sindh are now focusing on the development and implementation of innovative farming techniques. These include climate-resilient irrigation systems that can reduce water usage for wheat cultivation by 25-30% while boosting yields by 10-15%. Additionally, double-row planting for wheat is being introduced to cut seed consumption by 60%, while drought-resistant crops such as mustard are being encouraged to cope with water scarcity.
Other advancements include tunnel farming for off-season vegetable production, trials for saffron cultivation, and the production of disease-free banana plants. The push for early cotton cultivation is also expected to benefit farmers by extending the growing season and improving crop resilience.
Officials believe that these innovations will help stabilize agricultural production, increase farmer incomes, and boost Pakistan’s agricultural exports. By encouraging the widespread adoption of climate-smart practices, the government hopes to build a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector.
The launch event was attended by key agricultural leaders, including Secretary Agriculture Sohail Ahmed Qureshi, DG Research Dr. Mazhar Ali Kerio, and DG Engineering Syed Nadim Shah, all of whom expressed confidence in the initiative’s potential to transform farming in Sindh.
