Agriculture propped up economy in Covid-19

The agricultural sector saved the country from economic ruin during the lockdown imposed by the government to control the spread of novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19), said Minister of State for Climate Change Zartaj Gul.

She said this while addressing a gender-inclusive training programme organised at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) on “Opportunities in the Climate Change for Sustainable and Drought Resistant Agriculture” on Monday.

The minister said that climate change impact was caused by the developed countries.

The climate change impact is not only increasing temperature, but also affecting the ecosystem which was resulting in an insecurity of food supplies, she said.

"We prioritised the issue which is not linked to individuals or small groups, but it is an issue which is affecting the entire population,” she added.

She further said that being an agricultural country, 70% of the population depends upon agriculture and an alarming situation has been created due to climate change and drought, causing shortages of food.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 10^th, 2020.