The government should own up to its responsibilities instead of focusing solely on Benazir Income Support Programme
MITHI, THARPARKAR: Unfortunately, most of Tharparkar is a desert. The farmers here are heavily dependent on rain and do not have enough water resources to cultivate their crops out of season. Over the last decade, the amount of crops cultivated here has been decreasing due to many factors. Two main factors are outdated methods of growing crops and the change in the environment, which continues to degrade under the effects of climate change — namely, drought and dry weather. As a result, severe malnutrition plagues the residents of the area. Educating farmers and teaching them cutting-edge methods of farming could go a long way in saving the lives and livelihoods of the local people.
Another concern is that there is no barrage, dam or any other means to store water. Farmers should be able to grow crops in all seasons. A few years ago, a solar power plant was installed to supply people with fresh water, but due to our corrupt systems and improper management, now it is hardly functioning.
The government should own up to its responsibilities instead of focusing solely on the Benazir Income Support Programme.
Kunbh Karan
Published in The Express Tribune, May 4th, 2016.
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