The water shortage during the Kharif Season 2024 is expected to 30 per cent but it could be more acute – Chief Minister Murad Shah
Staff Report
Karachi
Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah fears that Sindh would experience acute water shortage during the Kharif season-2024.
“The water shortage during the Kharif Season 2024 is expected to 30 per cent but it could be more acute, therefore our agriculture sector would suffer,” he said while presiding over a joint meeting of Irrigation and Agriculture departments at the CM House on Tuesday April 16.
Expressing concern over the impact of climate change on water scarcity he said that this could be addressed by introducing a new cropping pattern that includes low delta crops aimed at reducing water consumption and increasing efficiency in agriculture.
He said that climate change impact was emerging in the shape of water scarcity. “In order to tackle water scarcity his government is planning a new cropping pattern that includes low delta, high-yield crops to reduce water intake and upturn agricultural efficiency.
Read: Sindh faces acute shortage of Indus River water
Shah said, “I want the Irrigation and Agriculture departments to sit together and chalk out a plan for changing the cropping patterns. The list of the proposed/recommended crops may be submitted to him for further discussion and approval.”
Murad Shah directed Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah to chair joint meetings of the irrigation and agriculture departments and work out plans for changing the cropping pattern so that the low-delta high-yield crops could be introduced.
The CM directed Minister Irrigation Jam Khan Shoro to ensure the efficient use of water by the growers. “This becomes a joint responsibility of the Irrigation and Agriculture departments to educate the farmer for efficient and effective use of water,” he said and added this was the reason his government has given priority to the lining of water courses.
Read: Sindh continues to suffer due to water shortage
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