KARACHI:
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has urged the Pakistani government to monitor the flood-affected areas and damage to the agriculture sector. The government has welcomed the organisation’s suggestions and expressed willingness to implement them. FAO has asked Pakistan to develop an agriculture monitoring system. This can help distinguish, identify, and measure main crop production areas in flood-affected regions and estimate the production and losses.
The farming community is among the hardest hit by the floods as their crops were destroyed, and waterlogging may also affect crop growth in the future. There is an increased risk of food shortages in the country. The flood-stricken Sindh accounts for 42% of rice production. According to some reports, the country may experience a wheat crisis. The farming community is faced with many challenges as they will be required to grow crops on the waterlogged land. They already lack modern machinery and technologies for agriculture.
Therefore, FAO’s plans to introduce agriculture monitoring in Pakistan is a timely initiative as it can help tackle the problems posed by floods. Satellite imagery can help with testing and monitoring a range of crops. The relevant authorities should ensure that the initiative is properly implemented, and farmers receive proper assistance and resources to resume their agricultural work.
Sameer Dashti
Dasht Kuddan
Published in The Express Tribune, December 22nd, 2022.
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