Resource situation: ‘Per capita water availability falling’

Policy reforms are needed to control population growth, says the UAF vice chancellor.

FAISALABAD:

The per capita water availability in Pakistan is dwindling with every passing day. It has already reached the 1,000 cubic metres per person threshold globally recognised as dangerous, Parliamentary Secretary for Finance and Economic Affairs Rana Muhammad Afzal said on Saturday.

He was speaking at a seminar organised by the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF), in connection with the World Water Day.

Afzal said more than 50 dams were being constructed in Pakistan. He called for raising awareness among farmers for efficient use of water.

“As much as 50 per cent of the river water is being wasted in the country, putting food security at risk.”

He said, “Trade with India can help Pakistan… India is a huge market and Pakistan is blessed with excellent crops and fruits.”

“There are two months in Pakistan when tomatoes cannot be cultivated… The scientists should develop a mechanism to boost agricultural produce even during the off season.”

UAF Vice Chancellor Iqrar Ahmad Khan said water availability had reached 1,000 cubic metres per person placing the country in red zone.

He said many industries were also dependent on agriculture. Khan called for policy reforms to control population growth.

Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Vice Chancellor Rai Niaz stressed the need to collaborate more for achieving food security and dealing with water scarcity.

He said it was the need of the hour for farmers to adopt water saving methods.

Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) Vice Chancellor Muhammad Mukhtar said six new varieties of cotton would be introduced in two years through a collaboration between the UAF and the IUB.

He said that IUB had introduced the IUB 222 variety of cotton which was among the top three cotton varieties worldwide.

Faculty of Sciences Dean Muhammad Javaid said the country was blessed with natural resources and a good cropping system.

Water Management Research Centre (WMRC) Director Allah Bakhsh stressed the need to increase the country’s water storage capacity.

He said bed plantation and drip irrigation systems saved 80 per cent of the irrigation water.

He said the WMRC had taken steps to promote modern agricultural practices.

Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation (ORIC) Director Rao Asif said commercialisation of innovative products would bring about tangible results.

“The ORIC is promoting the latest technologies developed at the UAF,” he said.

Senior Tutor Aslam Pervez said the UAF had taken part in 48 university competitions in 2013.  “It won 25 and stood second in 14,” he said.

Pervez said the UAF was hosting the Lyallpur Festival and providing students a platform to showcase their skills.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 23^rd, 2014.