Balochistan’s runoff enters Sindh through Chukhi, flows via Hamal Lake, and then travels through RBOD to Manchar Lake
Tandojam, Sindh
Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam, and Balochistan Agriculture College (BAC), Quetta, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen inter-provincial academic and research collaboration on key agricultural and environmental challenges. These include dry land and rangeland management, climate change adaptation, forestry development, food security, and the effective utilization of drainage and rainwater.
The MoU signing ceremony was held on Friday Jan. 9, 2026 at the Senate Hall of Sindh Agriculture University, where the agreement was formally signed by Vice Chancellor Engr. Prof. Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal on behalf of SAU and Principal Prof. Dr. Abdul Razzaq Reki on behalf of Balochistan Agriculture College, Quetta.
The collaboration primarily focuses on research related to water flows from Balochistan’s Nari Basin and adjoining areas, drainage water entering Sindh through various natural and artificial channels, rainwater harvesting, and the scientific utilization of rain and drainage water for sustainable agricultural production. In addition, joint research initiatives on forestry in Sindh and rangeland management in Balochistan will also be undertaken under this partnership.
Addressing the ceremony, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal highlighted that approximately 25 percent of Balochistan’s runoff enters Sindh through Chukhi, flows via Hamal Lake, and then travels through RBOD to Manchar Lake. He added that water also enters Sindh from Balochistan through Nai Gaj and Hub Dam, underscoring the urgent need for inter-provincial cooperation in research, education, and climate resilience. He noted that in recent years, nearly half of Sindh remained submerged due to extreme climatic events, with rainfall recorded up to 1,600 mm in certain areas, clearly reflecting the growing intensity of climate change impacts.
He emphasized that joint scientific research is essential to prevent water wastage, ensure safe storage, develop efficient drainage systems, and promote the productive use of rain and drainage water in agriculture. Dr. Siyal further shared that experts from SAU and BAC will collaborate on dryland and rangeland management research in Balochistan, while SAU will contribute its expertise under its newly launched forestry degree program to support forest development initiatives in Sindh. The agreement also includes faculty and graduate exchange programs and joint research projects.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Abdul Razzaq Reki expressed pride in returning to his alma mater, Sindh Agriculture University, for a collaborative initiative of national importance. He stressed that academic institutions must evolve in response to modern challenges, particularly economic pressures, climate change, and rapidly advancing technologies. He noted that as technology evolves, market demands also change, making it essential to prepare youth with relevant, future-oriented education. He added that the MoU will yield long-term benefits for both provinces, researchers, students, and the agricultural sector.
Dr. Muhammad Ismail Kumbhar, while addressing the ceremony, stated that the shared water and environmental challenges of Sindh and Balochistan can only be addressed through scientific research and strong inter-institutional collaboration. He emphasized that this MoU will contribute not only to agricultural research but also to the development of practical solutions for food security and climate adaptation.
Under the MoU, both institutions will collaborate on joint research projects, faculty and student exchange programs, sharing of laboratory resources and facilities, and the organization of joint workshops, seminars, and conferences. The agreement ensures that both SAU and BAC will make available their expertise, infrastructure, and resources to support mutually agreed academic and research initiatives. (Press Release)
Read: Sindh’s Manchhar Lake is Dying
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