Experts urge action to combat low output

Call for community-based research to tackle decline in onion production

KARACHI:

Agriculture experts have stressed the need for community-based research to tackle the decline in onion production caused by climate change. The soaring price of onions, a staple in Pakistani cuisine, has placed them out of reach for many citizens.

Experts pointed out that Sindh, contributing 38% to the nation's total onion production, faces significant challenges due to climatic shifts, emphasising the urgent need for sustainable farming solutions. This concern was raised during a seminar on "Onion Breeding and Technology," hosted by Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam, in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Islamabad. The seminar was part of an ongoing project titled "Genetic Characterisation, Evaluation, and Selection of Onion Germplasm Entries for Resistance to Onion Thrips."

SAU Vice Chancellor Dr Altaf Ali Siyal highlighted the adverse impact of climate change and biotic factors on onion cultivation in Sindh. He urged for advanced research, genetic breeding, and eco-friendly farming practices to counter these challenges. He also urged agricultural institutions like SAU to guide farmers in improving both yield and quality.

Dr Wali Muhammad Baloch, Executive Director of Agriculture Research Sindh, cited diseases, climate-related issues, and the absence of crop rotation practices as key reasons for the decline in onion production.

Dr Mehboob Ali Siyal, Director of the Nuclear Institute of Agriculture (NIA), noted that Pakistan ranks among the top 10 onion-producing nations globally. However, climatic shifts and other factors have made onions increasingly unaffordable. He expressed NIA's willingness to collaborate with SAU and other research institutions to address production challenges.