KARACHI:
In Pakistan, agricultural productivity has been adversely affected due to water scarcity and soil degradation. To ensure higher yield, conservation agriculture (CA) is one practical solution. CA is a climate adaptation measure that consists of direct seeding, proper soil covering and crop rotation.
In CA systems, direct seeding refers to the mechanism of growing crops with zero tillage or direct drilling. No mechanical seedbed preparation ensures minimal soil disturbance. Contrary to the traditional methodology, land preparation for seeding under no-tillage involves slashing or rolling the weeds, spraying herbicides for weed control, and planting directly through the insulation. Keeping the soil covered is a fundamental principle of CA. Crop residues are left on the soil surface. Moreover, cover crops may be needed if the gap is too long between harvesting one crop and establishing the next. To safeguard crops from pests and diseases, crop diversification through rotations and associations is crucial. Pests and diseases are better controlled by breaking cycles that are maintained in monocultures. The distribution of channels or biopores created by diverse roots improves the distribution of water and nutrients through the soil profile.
Despite CA being promising so far — reducing soil degradation, controlling soil erosion, and mitigating drought effects — its adoption rate in Pakistan has been prolonged. We must focus on developing local capacity regarding CA’s espousal to local conditions. Comprehensive implementation and teamwork among relevant stakeholders is the need of the hour.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 15th, 2022.
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