Water mismanagement: ‘Food security threatened’

UAF VC said latest water management techniques to be practised and must phase out traditional irrigation methods.

FAISALABAD:

Low irrigation efficiency can push Pakistan into food insecurity, scientists warned at a seminar at the University of Agriculture (UAF) on Friday.

Addressing a training programme on improving irrigation techniques, UAF Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said that people need to be taught the latest water management techniques and must phase out traditional irrigation methods. He said that only a high efficiency irrigation system could steady the country’s water crisis.

He said that the university, in collaboration with USDA, was engaged in projects on food security and water management to improve the agriculture sector.

Chief Guest Dr Kausar Abdullah Malik appreciated the UAF’s contribution. He said that a comprehensive strategy was required.

UAF Faculty of Agricultural Engineering Dean Professor Dr Rai Niaz Ahmad said that irrigation efficiency had improved from 25 per cent 10 years ago to 40 per cent this year.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 21^st, 2012.