Agriculture seminar: Experts warn of water and food crisis in near future

Nearly 50 courses offered at Sindh Agriculture University for growing and marketing products.


Our Correspondent June 08, 2014
Dr Sahrai said the agriculture sector is the livelihood of a majority of Sindh's people but its growth is facing numerous challenges. PHOTO: FILE

HYDERABAD:


Agricultural experts have warned that the constant surge in population and the dwindling water and food resources will lead to a food and water crisis very soon.


"Pakistan is climbing up the global list of countries with the fastest growing population," said Sindh Agriculture University Vice-Chancellor Dr Mujeebuddin Sahrai. "Sindh is particularly witnessing both, a rise in population as well as a continuous influx of migrants."

The university organised a farmers' festival featuring stalls of agricultural commodities, machinery and inputs as well as a seminar on Saturday. Dr Sahrai said the agriculture sector is the livelihood of a majority of Sindh's people but its growth is facing numerous challenges.

The vice-chancellor identified water shortage and wastage, low to modest crop yield, application of harmful chemicals and a widespread aversion to modern farming techniques as the stumbling blocks to growth. He also drew attention towards environmental degradation. "We need scientific research and practical measures to address these challenges," he said.

The varsity has initiated training programmes for the growers to equip them with the modern farming skills for growing bananas, mangoes and chilies. Dr Sahrai added that in Umerkot district's Kunri town, which is one of the largest chili markets in Asia, 50 different courses are being offered to the growers for growing, processing and marketing their products.

"We are making long-term plans to help farmers increase their productivity from livestock animals," said the VC, expressing hope that the plan will greatly support the breeders in Tharparkar, Naro, Kaccho and Kohistan regions.

The State Bank's chief manager Humayon Khan said that a sum of Rs380 billion has been set aside for agricultural financing. According to him, small land owners will be given loans with low markups while the agricultural graduates will be given internships in agri-financing and model farming.

Sindh Abadgar Board president Abdul Majeed Nizamani said that the misguided agricultural policies of the successive governments have decreased over 11 per cent of the agricultural share from the GDP. "The university should conduct research to help farmers reduce the cost of inputs, increase crop yield and lower the utilisation of water," he suggested.

Meanwhile, at a separate meeting, the vice-chancellor asked for recommendations to open outlets in the Hyderabad districts to sell products made in the university.

According to the Institute of Food Sciences and Technology director Dr Sagheer Ahmed Shaikh, the varsity grows several vegetables and fruits on its farms that can be sold in the market. The institute also regularly makes pizza, tomato ketchup, jam, juices, biscuits, bread and cakes which can also be put on sale. Dairy products including butter, ghee, yogurt and ice creams are also produced in the varsity.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 8th, 2014.

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