PESHAWAR: Pakistan, a land where sun-drenched fields once teemed with abundance, now faces a stark reality: a growing population, a thirsty land, and the looming shadow of climate change. This intricate dance of need and scarcity calls for a new rhythm, a melody of resilience played on the strings of climate-smart water management.
At the helm of this agricultural revolution stands Muhammad Arif Goheer, Head of Agriculture at the Global Change Impact Studies Centre. He sees the fertile potential of Pakistan’s soil, but also the cracks in its foundation, caused by traditional flood irrigation methods and the erratic whispers of a changing climate.Â
Goheer emphasizes. “Modern irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler systems are like a precise ballet, delivering water directly to the roots, reducing waste, and boosting yields.”
But the transition isn’t easy. Farmers, often unaware of these modern methods, cling to the familiar, their hands calloused by years of wrestling with inefficient practices. Limited access to resources adds another layer of complexity, making it a struggle for small-scale farmers to leap into the future.
Goheer’s voice carries the urgency of a clarion call. “We need targeted investments in climate-smart agriculture,” he says. “Empowering women farmers, who often bear the brunt of water scarcity, is key to building resilience.”
The scars of climate change are etched onto the land, the wounds of droughts and floods raw in the memory of farmers. Yet, amidst the challenges, hope blooms. The government, like a gardener nurturing fragile seedlings, is investing in improved seeds, technology, and water infrastructure. Partnerships with research institutions and the private sector are cross-pollinating, creating innovative solutions tailored to Pakistani soil and sky.
Researchers paint a stark picture: Pakistan’s crop water productivity lags behind the world, its wheat and rice yields thirstier than their global counterparts. But farmers, like intrepid explorers, are charting new paths. They are experimenting with drought-resistant crops, embracing water-harvesting techniques, and learning the language of efficiency. Pakistan’s story is not just about overcoming scarcity, but about rewriting the narrative of agriculture, one drop at a time.
