By Noor Zaheer

At a site in Malir where a mosque was demolished in the presence of a heavy police contingent only a few days ago, and a large boundary wall was also brought down, serious questions remain unanswered for the local community. The mosque served as a place of worship for the people living in the area.

Standing at the same site today and looking around, one can still see Malir’s natural landscape — its greenery, agricultural fields, and long-established villages. The area is home to several settlements and thousands of acres of land where local families have lived for generations, depending on their land for their homes and livelihoods.

The question is: for what purpose is this fertile and largely green part of Malir being transformed? If large buildings, industrial projects, lithium battery and tyre manufacturing units, and other industries are established here, what will be the social and environmental cost of this development — and who will bear it?

Local residents say they are unwilling to leave their land. For them, these lands are not simply pieces of property; they are their homes, their source of livelihood, and part of a history passed down through generations.

There is also a fundamental legal question. Articles 23 and 24 of Pakistan’s Constitution protect the right to own property and establish safeguards against the deprivation of property except in accordance with the law. In Sindh, the Goth-Abad (Housing Scheme) Act, 1987 provides a legal framework for housing facilities and the regularization of rural settlements, including the rights of eligible occupants.

Therefore, if local residents are being asked to vacate their land, the legal basis for such action should be made clear. What legal procedure has been followed for acquiring the land? What notices have been issued to the affected people? And what arrangements have been made regarding compensation and, where necessary, resettlement?

The demand that local residents vacate their land within only two days raises particularly serious concerns. For families that have lived in an area for generations, being asked to leave their homes, land, and livelihoods within a matter of days is not merely an administrative decision; it can fundamentally disrupt their lives.

If the government or relevant authorities have the legal power to acquire the land, they should make public the relevant notifications, the legal basis for the acquisition, the procedure being followed, and details of the rights and compensation available to the affected people. Transparency is essential if public concerns and doubts are to be addressed.

Another important question concerns the use of the police. Who is directing the police to take action on the land of local residents? Under what legal authority are such directions being issued? Where land disputes exist, are all affected parties being given a fair opportunity to present their case and seek legal remedies?

The role of elected representatives also deserves scrutiny. Local residents have, in the past, received assurances regarding their land and settlements, yet disputes over land and displacement have continued. Residents have also alleged that they have faced pressure in matters concerning their land. In such circumstances, elected representatives and relevant authorities have a responsibility to provide the public with clear and verifiable information.

We are not against development. Malir should certainly develop, but development should not mean that the land, homes, places of worship, livelihoods, environment, and settlements of local communities become its price.

Development can only be sustainable when local communities are included in decision-making, their legal rights are respected, the environment is protected, and every process involving the acquisition of land is carried out transparently and in accordance with the law.

Malir is not merely a piece of land. It is home to communities with generations of history, culture, livelihoods, and a deep connection with the natural environment. If all of this is sacrificed in the name of development, we must ask a simple question: development for whom, and at whose cost?

Read: Malir – Farmlands, Heritage at risk

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Noor Zaheer

The post Development at Environmental, Social Cost first appeared on Sindh Courier.

By Nuzair Ahmed Jamro

As housing schemes expand and existing trees are removed for construction, it is time for District Administrations to adopt a practical and long-term policy of tree protection and roadside plantation.

Our cities and towns are growing rapidly. New houses, housing schemes, roads, schools, markets and other facilities are being built to meet the needs of a growing population. People need homes, and development is a natural part of progress. However, there is another side of this development that we can no longer ignore: the loss of trees.

When new housing schemes are developed, existing trees are often cut down to make space for houses, streets, boundary walls, parking areas and other construction. Once the construction is complete, very little open land may remain for planting an equal number of new trees. In this way, the expansion of our cities can gradually reduce their green cover.

However, the answer is not to stop development. People need houses and communities need infrastructure. The real need is to make development more responsible. If trees have to be removed for necessary construction, the lost green cover should be restored through proper and planned plantation. Where space inside growing cities is limited, suitable roads, highways, road reserves and other public areas can provide an important opportunity.

Apropos, this is where the idea of Green Road Corridors becomes important. Where road safety and available space permit, suitable trees and vegetation can be planted along both sides of roads. Over time, these individual plantation areas can become continuous green corridors connecting cities, towns, villages and agricultural areas.

Trees are not simply a source of beauty. They provide important environmental benefits. They absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, provide shade, reduce heat, and help filter air pollution, protect soil, support birds and insects and improve the overall environment in which people live.

Not last not least, The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has reported that properly planned urban and peri-urban trees can help reduce heat, remove pollutants, improve soil conditions, reduce erosion and support biodiversity. FAO has also reported that strategically placed trees can reduce urban air temperatures by approximately 2°C to 8°C, depending on local conditions. Properly placed trees around buildings can also reduce cooling requirements.

Roadside vegetation can provide another useful benefit. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, tall and dense roadside vegetation can, under suitable conditions, reduce some downwind pollutants by approximately 30 percent. This gives us a strong reason to consider roadside plantation as part of environmental infrastructure rather than treating it merely as beautification.

There is also a widely cited estimate from American Forests that one mature tree can provide enough oxygen for about four people for one day. This should not be treated as a fixed scientific rule because oxygen production varies according to the tree’s species, age, size, health and growing conditions. Nevertheless, it helps us understand the value of mature trees. When thousands of mature trees are removed, we lose much more than their oxygen contribution. We also lose their ability to absorb carbon dioxide, provide shade, reduce heat and support the surrounding environment.

This is why saving existing mature trees should always be the first priority. A mature tree that is protected today is already providing environmental benefits. A newly planted sapling may require many years before it reaches a similar size and level of benefit.

Consider a simple example. If a district loses 10,000 trees because of housing schemes, road construction and other development, the administration should not simply record the loss and move on. It should determine how many of those trees could have been saved, how many need to be replaced, where the replacement trees will be planted, who will maintain them and how many will survive after one, three and five years.

If a policy requires two replacement trees for every tree removed, the loss of 10,000 trees would create an initial target of 20,000 replacement trees. But even this figure is meaningful only if the trees survive. Planting 20,000 saplings and allowing most of them to die cannot be considered a successful plantation program. The real target should be 20,000 healthy, established trees, not simply 20,000 planting holes.

One of the biggest challenges in growing cities is the shortage of open land. This is particularly true in areas where housing schemes are expanding quickly. However, our districts have extensive road networks connecting cities, towns, villages, agricultural areas and public institutions. Where sufficient space exists outside the areas needed for road safety, these corridors can be developed into green belts.

Instead of searching for one large piece of vacant land for plantation, thousands of smaller suitable spaces along roads can gradually become part of the district’s green infrastructure. With proper planning, roads can become more attractive, shaded and environmentally friendly while maintaining the necessary safety standards.

Trees can also play a useful role around agricultural land. Trees should not always be considered competitors to farming. Around the world, farmers use systems known as agroforestry, in which suitable trees and crops are grown together.

FAO has documented examples from Zambia and Malawi involving Faidherbia albida trees and maize. In one reported comparison in Zambia, maize yields averaged about 4.7 tons per hectare under the tree canopy compared with 1.9 tons per hectare outside the canopy. FAO has also reported improvements in soil organic matter, nitrogen and water-holding capacity under suitable tree systems.

These figures do not mean that every tree planted beside every crop in Pakistan will produce the same results. Local soil, climate, water availability, tree species and farming practices are very important. The example simply demonstrates that, with the right species and proper management, trees and agriculture can work together.

For Pakistan, this approach deserves serious consideration. We are facing increasing pressure from population growth, urban expansion, heat, air pollution and the loss of natural vegetation. Trees should therefore not be viewed as something that belongs only in forests. They can be part of our cities, roads, agricultural landscapes, housing schemes, public institutions and other suitable areas.

A Practical Reform for District Administration

The District Administration should move beyond occasional plantation campaigns and establish a permanent policy for tree protection and Green Road Corridors. The Deputy Commissioner and relevant departments should begin with a district-wide tree audit. The administration should identify major existing tree belts, record significant tree losses caused by housing schemes and other development, identify roads suitable for plantation, map available road reserves and locate public and government spaces where trees can safely be planted.

Further, the administration should also maintain a clear record of how many trees is being removed, how many are being saved, how many are being planted and, most importantly, how many survive.

Tree compensation should become an important part of major development planning, subject to applicable laws and environmental regulations. When a housing scheme or other major project requires the removal of trees, the developer should be required to submit a Tree Compensation and Plantation Plan. The plan should explain how many trees will be removed, how many can be saved, how many replacement trees will be planted, where they will be planted and who will be responsible for their maintenance.

This would create a simple but important principle for future development: more development should mean more surviving trees, not fewer.

Similarly, Housing schemes should not be judged only by the number of houses they create. Their environmental responsibility should also be considered. If a development project removes trees, it should contribute to restoring the lost green cover in accordance with the law.

At the same time, roadside plantation must be planned carefully. Trees should never be planted in a way that creates a danger for motorists. Large trees placed too close to high-speed traffic can become dangerous fixed obstacles in the event of a vehicle accident. Therefore, road engineers and traffic authorities must determine safe planting distances and ensure that trees do not block visibility, road signs, drainage, emergency access or pedestrian movement.

Where large trees are not suitable, shrubs, grass and low-growing vegetation can be used. The objective should be to create a green road without compromising road safety.

The administration should also make the survival of trees the real measure of success. If 100,000 saplings are planted but most die, the program should not be declared successful simply because 100,000 were planted. The administration should monitor the trees after one year, three years and five years and replace those that die. Large housing developers can also become part of the solution. Where legally permissible, developers can be required or encouraged to help establish and maintain Green Road Corridors near their projects. Their contribution could include trees, tree guards, watering, maintenance and replacement of dead plants. This would create a direct link between urban development and environmental responsibility.

A small District Green Corridor Monitoring Cell could coordinate this work. Its task would be simple: map suitable areas, plant the right trees, protect them, inspect them, replace dead trees and publish the results. An annual public report could show the number of trees removed, trees saved, trees planted, trees surviving and kilometers of road covered by plantation.

Such transparency would change plantation from a one-day activity into a long-term government program.

The Right Tree Must Be Planted in the Right Place

It is also important to understand that every tree is not suitable for every location. The fastest-growing species is not necessarily the best choice. Tree selection should consider local climate, soil, water availability, root behavior, mature size, agricultural compatibility, biodiversity, maintenance requirements and road safety.

Native and locally suitable species should generally be preferred where scientifically appropriate. A poorly selected tree can create problems for roads, buildings, crops, drainage systems and water supplies. Good plantation is therefore not simply about planting more trees; it is about planting the right trees in the right places and then keeping them alive.

This program should also be planned for the long term. A five-year plan could focus on protecting existing trees and establishing new plantation corridors. A ten-year plan could connect major cities, towns and villages through green routes. A twenty-year vision could create a mature network of roadside, urban and agricultural green belts across the district and division.

The officials who plant these trees today may not be in office twenty years from now. But the trees can still be standing. That is why tree plantation is different from many other government projects. It is an investment in people who may not even be born today.

Trees Are an Investment, Not an Expense

Trees also have economic value. FAO has reported that urban and peri-urban trees can provide benefits over their lifetime that may be worth approximately two to three times the cost of establishment and care, although the actual return varies according to location and management.

Trees can reduce heat, provide shade and help reduce energy requirements. They can also contribute to cleaner surroundings, soil protection, biodiversity and better public spaces. For this reason, plantation should not be viewed simply as an expense from the government budget.

It is an investment in public health, environmental protection, agriculture and the future of our cities.

Imagine a road entering a city twenty years from now. Instead of bare land, dust and scattered waste, there are healthy trees and vegetation along suitable sections of the road. On one side are houses and businesses; on the other side are agricultural fields protected by a carefully planned green buffer. The trees provide shade, help filter dust, support birds and make the road more attractive. This is what a Green Road Corridor can become if it is planned properly and maintained over time.

Final Appeal to the District Administration

The expansion of housing schemes is a reality. Our population is increasing, and people need homes. New roads, schools, businesses and other facilities are also necessary for the development of our communities.

But development should not mean the permanent loss of our trees.

The District Administration now has an opportunity to introduce a practical and long-term reform. Existing mature trees should be protected wherever possible. Tree losses caused by development should be properly recorded. Where trees must be removed, compensatory plantation should be required according to applicable laws. Safe roadside areas should be identified for plantation, and suitable green corridors should be developed across cities, towns and rural routes.

Housing developers should be made part of the solution. Newly planted trees should be monitored for at least three to five years, and dead trees should be replaced. The administration should publish annual results so that the public can see not just how many trees were planted, but how many are actually alive.

The guiding principle should be simple:

MORE HOUSES MUST NOT MEAN FEWER TREES. MORE DEVELOPMENT SHOULD MEAN MORE SURVIVING TREES.

Conclusion

Our cities will continue to grow. People will continue to need houses, roads and other facilities. We cannot and should not stop development. But we can choose to develop in a more responsible way.

If trees must be removed for necessary construction, the lost green cover should be restored through planned and properly maintained plantation. If there is little space inside crowded cities, suitable road corridors, public spaces, government land and other appropriate areas should be used.

The purpose should not be to plant trees for a single day or to achieve a number on paper. The purpose should be to create healthy, living trees that remain for decades. A tree planted today may provide shade, cleaner air, carbon storage and environmental benefits to people who are not yet born. The trees we plant and protect now can become a gift to the next generation.

Let us protect the trees we already have. Let us plant where suitable space is available. Let development contribute to restoring the green cover it removes. Let us protect agricultural land with carefully planned vegetation. Let us make roadside plantation safe and sustainable.

Most importantly, let us measure success not by the number of saplings planted, but by the number of healthy trees still standing years later.

Our cities need homes, but they also need trees. Our roads need safety, but they can also become green corridors. Our agricultural land needs protection and productivity, and carefully planned trees can be part of that solution. We can build our cities without destroying their environmental future.

Read: Green Pakistan through Citizen Incentives

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Hailing from Shikarpur, Sindh, Nuzair Ahmed Jamro is a civil servant and MS research fellow in Public Administration. He writes on governance, public policy, and digital transformation. Email: najamro@gmail.com.

The post The Green Road Corridors first appeared on Sindh Courier.

• Modern agriculture is not about buying expensive machines. It is about thinking differently: Save water first, then grow. Test soil first, then fertilize. See market first, then sow.
• If Sindh adopts even 50% of these technologies in next 5 years, it can produce more food with less water and become Pakistan’s hub for climate-smart agriculture.

By Ramesh Raja

Modern agriculture is the shift from resource-based farming to knowledge-based farming. While traditional agriculture asked “how much land do you have?” modern agriculture asks “how much data do you have per acre?” This essay explains the scientific pillars of modern agriculture, gives practical examples of countries that transformed their production with it, and applies those lessons to Sindh province, which is facing one of the worst water shortages as a tail-ender of the Indus Basin.

WHY MODERN AGRICULTURE?

By 2050, the world must feed 9.7 billion people with 30% less water per capita. Pakistan, with 225 million people and 5th largest population, has the same challenge. Traditional flood irrigation, local seeds, and calendar-based farming cannot meet it.

Modern Agriculture is defined by 5 principles:

• More crop per drop of water
• More yield per seed through genetics
• Decisions by data, not by guess
• Soil as a living biology, not just dirt
• Farming as a value-chain, not just production

PILLARS OF MODERN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN AGRICULTURE

Precision Agriculture and IoT

Use of GPS, sensors and satellite imagery to apply exact amount of water, fertilizer and pesticide only where needed.

• Laser Land Leveling saves 25% water.
• Soil moisture sensors and automated drip reduce water use by 40-60%.
• Drones for NDVI mapping detect stress 10 days before human eye and spray 90% less chemical.

Biotechnology and Seed Science

• Drought, heat, salinity and pest tolerant varieties. Example: CRISPR-edited tomatoes, Sub1 flood-tolerant rice, Bt cotton.
• Hybrid seeds increase yield 30-50%.
• Tissue culture for disease-free banana and date palm.

Water Smart Technologies

• Drip Irrigation, Sprinkler, Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) in rice, Direct Seeded Rice (DSR).
• Rainwater harvesting, aquifer recharge, and desalination for agriculture.

Soilless Agriculture

• Hydroponics (roots in nutrient water), Aeroponics (roots in mist), Aquaponics (fish + plants). Uses 90-95% less water. Ideal for urban areas and saline zones.

Digital Agriculture and AI

• AI advisory apps for weather, pest attack prediction.
• Blockchain for traceability from farm to supermarket.
• Robotics for weeding and harvesting.

Conservation and Regenerative Agriculture

• Zero tillage, bed planting, mulching, cover crops, bio-fertilizers. Increases organic matter from 0.5% to 2%, which doubles soil water holding capacity.

PRACTICAL EXAMPLES OF COUNTRIES USING MODERN AGRICULTURE

ISRAEL – Farming a Desert with 50% Less Water

Israel gets 50mm rainfall and is 60% desert, yet exports $2.5 billion agriculture.

• Invented drip irrigation in 1965 (Netafim company).
• 86% of wastewater is recycled for agriculture – highest in world.
• Precision fertigation: water + fertilizer through computer.
• Result: Tomato yield 300 tons/hectare in greenhouse vs. 50 tons in open field in Pakistan.
• Lesson for Sindh: Drip for sugarcane, cotton and chilies, and recycling of drainage water in Badin and Thatta.

NETHERLANDS – Small Country, 2nd Largest Food Exporter

Netherlands is smaller than Sindh (41,000 sq km vs 140,000 sq km) but is world’s 2nd largest food exporter after USA.

• Greenhouse agriculture with climate control, hydroponics and LED lights.
• Produces 1 kg tomato with 4 liters water vs 60 liters in open field.
• Use of seed genetics – Dutch companies control 40% of global vegetable seeds.
• Lesson for Sindh: Greenhouse clusters around Karachi, Hyderabad for off-season vegetables, and focus on high-value seed production.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – Data-Driven Farming

• GPS-guided tractors with 2 cm accuracy, no overlap.
• Yield mapping combines harvesters that map yield acre by acre.
• Satellite insurance and commodity trading.
• Average US farmer feeds 166 people, compared to 15-20 in Pakistan.
• Lesson for Sindh: Mechanization through service providers and use of satellite advisory like NASA Harvest.

CHINA – Technology for Small Farmers

• China has similar small holdings like Pakistan (0.6 ha average).
• Deployed 200 million soil tests, drone spraying is done on 30% area.
• Developed hybrid rice that feeds 70 million extra people.
• E-commerce – Taobao villages – farmers sell directly.
• Lesson for Sindh: Soil health cards for every farmer and direct marketing platforms.

INDIA – Relevant Model for Sindh

Punjab and Rajasthan have similar climate to Sindh.

• Direct Seeded Rice in Punjab: Saved 30% water and solved labour crisis.
• Bed planting of wheat: Adopted on 2 million hectares, saves 1 irrigation.
• Micro-irrigation in Gujarat and Maharashtra: 1.2 million ha under drip for cotton, sugarcane, banana with 50% subsidy.
• eNAM digital market: Farmers get best price.
• Lesson for Sindh: SIAPEP project for drip can be expanded like Gujarat model.

AUSTRALIA – Farming with Salinity and Drought

Australia faces similar tail-end salinity like Sindh.

• Uses salt-tolerant wheat (Sundor, Krichauff), raised bed farming for waterlogging.
• Water trading: farmers buy and sell water shares – efficient allocation.
• Lesson for Sindh: Salinity management through gypsum + salt tolerant varieties like quinoa and barley.

SINDH AGRICULTURE – PROBLEMS AND POTENTIAL

Current Status

Sindh contributes 23% of Pakistan agriculture GDP. Main crops: cotton 35%, rice 35%, sugarcane 30%, wheat, chilies, mango, banana, dates. 5.5 million hectares irrigated from Indus via 3 barrages – Guddu, Sukkur, Kotri. Lower Sindh produces 70% of Pakistan’s chilies, 50% bananas, 30% mangoes.

Core Problems

• Tail-end Water Shortage: As last user of Indus, Sindh receives less in shortage years. Kotri barrage flow often <10 MAF vs required 25 MAF. Within Sindh, 40% water lost in unlined channels.
• Water-Intensive Cropping: Rice and sugarcane use 70% of water but low return per litre.
• Salinity and Waterlogging: 2.8 million acres affected by salinity, 4.5 million by waterlogging. Sea intrusion in Thatta, Badin, Sujawal – 1.2 million acres lost.
• Low Organic Matter: Sindh soils <0.5% organic matter vs required 1.5%.
• Post-Harvest Loss: 30% fruits and vegetables wasted due to no cold chain.
• Climate Change: Heat wave 50C+, erratic monsoon, 2022 floods proved vulnerability.

How Modern Technology Can Transform Sindh – A Practical Roadmap

Immediate Actions (0-2 years) – Low Cost

• Laser leveling on 100% area through service providers.
• Bed planting for wheat and DSR + AWD for rice on 30% area. This alone can save 2 MAF water – enough for 1 million acres of oilseeds.
• Soil health card scheme: free test + gypsum recommendation from SAU Tando Jam and Agriculture Extension.
• Shift at tail ends from rice to sesame, sunflower, mung, guar – 70% less water, 2x profit.

Medium Term (2-5 years) – Investment Needed

• Drip irrigation on 500,000 acres of cotton, sugarcane, chilies, orchards under SIAPEP with 60% subsidy model of India.
• Establishment of 10 greenhouse clusters around Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas for hydroponic vegetables – targeting urban market.
• Aquaponics with Tilapia in coastal belt where groundwater is brackish. Pilot in Gharo, Dhabeji already successful.
• Drone spray service centers in every district – reduces pesticide cost 40% and water 90%.
• Date palm tissue culture lab in Khairpur to replace 80% old orchards.

Long Term (5-10 years) – Policy

• Water accounting with telemetry and sensors on barrages and canals – transparent data like Australia.
• On-farm water storage ponds to harvest monsoon rain in Kohistan and Thar.
• Cold chain and solar dryers for chili, onion, tomato in Mirpurkhas and Badin.
• Agri-tech university linkages: SAU Tando Jam to become center for salinity and heat-tolerant research.

A MODEL FOR 50% WATER SCENARIO – PRACTICAL FOR A SINDH FARMER

If a farmer in Badin has 10 acres and only 50% canal water:

Kharif: 5 acres sesame (2 irrigations) + 5 acres mung (2 irrigations) instead of 10 acres rice (20 irrigations). Water saving 80%. Profit increase 40%.

Rabi: 7 acres bed wheat (3 irrigations) + 3 acres mustard (2 irrigations). Uses 35 acre-inches vs 60.

Total water use: Half, profit same or more, soil health improved.

CONCLUSION

Israel proved you can farm a desert if you control water. Netherlands proved a small area can feed the world if you control environment. China and India proved small farmers can adopt technology if government gives service, not just subsidy.

Sindh does not lack sunlight, land, or hardworking farmers. It lacks water management and adoption of science. The Indus water dispute will continue, climate change will worsen. The only control Sindh has is what it does inside its fields.

Modern agriculture is not about buying expensive machines. It is about thinking differently: Save water first, then grow. Test soil first, then fertilize. See market first, then sow. If Sindh adopts even 50% of these technologies in next 5 years, it can produce more food with less water and become Pakistan’s hub for climate-smart agriculture.

Reference:

1. FAO. (2023). The State of Food and Agriculture – Water management for climate-smart agriculture. Food and Agriculture Organization, Rome.
2. World Bank. (2022). Pakistan – Sindh Water and Agriculture Transformation Project. Washington DC.
3. IWMI – International Water Management Institute. (2021). Water productivity in the Indus Basin.
4. Pakistan & Sindh Specific:
5. Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR). (2023). Water scarcity and salinity in Lower Indus.
6. Sindh Agriculture University, Tando Jam. (2022). Research on salt-tolerant wheat and rice varieties.
7. PARC – Pakistan Agricultural Research Council. (2023). National Food Security Policy and Soilless Agriculture Guidelines.
8. IRSA – Indus River System Authority. Water Accord 1991 and Kotri downstream data.
9. Govt. of Sindh – SIAPEP. Sindh Irrigated Agriculture Productivity Enhancement Project – Drip Irrigation Subsidy Report.
10. Technology References:
11. National Geographic. (2017). How the Netherlands Feeds the World.
12. Van der Velden et al. Wageningen University Research (WUR) – Greenhouse Horticulture Yield and Water Use Efficiency.
13. Narayan et al. (2020). Direct Seeded Rice and Alternate Wetting and Drying – IRRI, Philippines.
14. Jensen, M.H. (2018). Hydroponics and Aeroponics for Food Security – University of Arizona.

Read: Turning Urban Waste into Wealth

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Hailing from Gambat town of Sindh, Engr. Ramesh Raja is a civil engineer and managerial/ planning professional who also contributes as a freelance writer on technical matters. He may be reached at engineer.raja@gmail.com

The post Farming Through Science & Technology first appeared on Sindh Courier.

By Abdullah Usman Morai | Sweden

The history of the world shows that every civilization that was strong in agriculture also remained robust economically, socially, and politically. Food remains the fundamental need of human beings today, and will likely remain so even thousands of years from now. Artificial Intelligence (AI), modern industries, and technological advancements are certainly important, but if grains, vegetables, fruits, and food are not produced on earth, all claims of progress will become meaningless. Therefore, agriculture is not merely the name of an economic sector, but the very foundation of a nation’s survival, sovereignty, and stability.

Pakistan, especially Sindh, is an agricultural region where the livelihoods of millions of people depend on farming. Unfortunately, we still largely depend on traditional methods. At the same time, climate change, water scarcity, rising temperatures, unpredictable rains, floods, and droughts have become major threats to our agricultural system. If we do not step toward modern agricultural technology today, ensuring food supply for future generations could become a massive challenge.

In such a scenario, tunnel farming is emerging as a revolutionary concept for the agriculture of the future. Tunnel farming is a modern agricultural system where crops are grown under plastic sheets or specialized protective structures, where temperature, humidity, moisture, light, and airflow can be controlled to a certain extent. As a result, plants remain safe from extreme heat, cold, fierce winds, hailstorms, and unseasonal rains, allowing them to grow in a much healthier manner.

For a province like Sindh, where water scarcity is worsening every year, tunnel farming can prove to be a blessing. In traditional agriculture, a large amount of water is wasted, whereas using modern systems like drip irrigation alongside tunnel farming delivers water directly to the roots of the plants, making immense water savings possible. In the future, water may become a resource more valuable than oil; therefore, saving every drop of water is a national responsibility.

Today, the global population is growing rapidly. Pakistan’s population is also constantly increasing, which will simultaneously drive up the demand for food. If production does not increase at the same pace, a massive gap will open between demand and supply, leading to food shortages, inflation, and poverty. Tunnel farming can yield higher production even on limited land, which can not only fulfill domestic needs but also significantly boost agricultural exports.

A major advantage of tunnel farming is that crops can be grown throughout the year. Under normal conditions, vegetables or fruits restricted to specific seasons can be produced ahead of time or off-season inside the tunnels. When there is a shortage of a commodity in the market, its price skyrockets, thereby yielding higher profits for the farmer. This can make the agricultural sector more commercial and profitable.

Many people believe that tunnel farming is limited only to tomatoes or cucumbers, but the reality is far broader. Along with tomatoes, chillies, ladyfinger (okra), spinach, lettuce, cauliflower, cabbage, eggplant, cucumbers, carrots, radish, coriander, mint, and many other vegetables, crops/ fruits like strawberries, melons, watermelons, floral crops, aromatic herbs, medicinal plants, and high-quality seeds can also be successfully cultivated. In many countries, high-value crops are grown through tunnel farming and exported to global markets.

If research and modern agricultural science are further promoted, in the future, cotton nurseries, vegetable seeds, raw materials for medicines, and many other cash crops, even wheat and sugarcane to a limited extent, or during specific stages, can be produced more successfully through tunnel farming. This will increase agricultural income and reduce environmental risks.

Another great benefit of tunnel farming is environmental protection. Because crops are grown in a protected environment, many harmful pests and diseases are minimized, which reduces the use of pesticides. Fertilizers, especially urea, can also be used in limited quantities based on exact requirements, which maintains soil fertility and reduces environmental pollution. The trend of the future world is shifting toward organic and safe food, and tunnel farming can play a vital role in achieving this goal.

This concept should not be restricted to large landowners alone. Small farmers, rural families, schools, colleges, universities, and urban residents can also set up small tunnels to produce fresh vegetables and fruits for their personal needs. If every household starts producing some vegetables for their own consumption, it will not only reduce household expenses but also enhance food security, while fostering a love for nature and agriculture in children.

Unfortunately, in Pakistan, agriculture is still viewed as a traditional livelihood rather than a modern industry. However, the reality is that in the coming era, smart agriculture, artificial intelligence, sensor technology, solar energy, water-saving systems, and controlled-environment agriculture will form the core of global food production. If we do not adopt these technologies in time, we will lag behind in global competition.

It is the responsibility of the government to make tunnel farming a vital part of the national agricultural policy. Farmers should be provided with easy loans, subsidies, solar systems, drip irrigation, quality seeds, technical training, and direct access to markets. Agricultural universities and research institutes must be linked with ground realities to deliver new research directly to farmers. Model tunnel farms should be established in every district to provide practical training to youth, transforming agriculture into a modern and profitable profession.

We must also understand that future wars may not be fought over land or oil, but over water and food. The country that possesses the capacity to produce its own food will remain strong and sovereign. Therefore, investing in research, innovation, efficient water usage, the development of new seed varieties, modern machinery, and methods like tunnel farming is equivalent to investing in national security.

Sindh possesses fertile land, hardworking farmers, and a vast treasure of agricultural traditions. The only need is for us to embrace modern science alongside old practices. We must save every drop of water, extract more and better yield from every inch of land, and make agriculture more sustainable for future generations.

If we seriously work on tunnel farming, modern irrigation systems, agricultural research, and climate-adaptive policies today, we will not only fulfill the food requirements of our growing population but also secure a strong position in global agricultural markets. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and modernizing it is not just an option but the most critical need of our time.

Read: Bonds of Faith and Tradition

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Abdullah Soomro, penname Abdullah Usman Morai, hailing from Moro town of Sindh, province of Pakistan, is based in Stockholm Sweden. Currently he is working as Groundwater Engineer in Stockholm Sweden. He did BE (Agriculture) from Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam and MSc water systems technology from KTH Stockholm Sweden as well as MSc Management from Stockholm University. Beside this he also did masters in journalism and economics from Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Mirs, Sindh. He is author of a travelogue book named ‘Musafatoon’. His second book is in process. He writes articles from time to time. A frequent traveler, he also does podcast on YouTube with channel name: VASJE Podcast.

The post Tunnel Farming: Sindh’s Agricultural Future first appeared on Sindh Courier.

• Book ‘Punjab River Waters Dispute in South Asia: Historical Legacies, Political Competition, and Peasant Interests’, launched  
• The book examines the Punjab river waters dispute as a defining feature of regional politics in South Asia and analyses its intersections with peasant interests, rural Sikh society, the neighboring state of Haryana, and the Indian central government

Amritsar

Issues affecting agriculture and rural livelihoods in Indian Punjab were discussed at a seminar organized recently by the Department of Sociology Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar.

Book ‘Punjab River Waters Dispute in South Asia: Historical Legacies, Political Competition, and Peasant Interests’, launched on this occasion.

Seminar marked the 50 years of academic excellence and contributions to the discipline of sociology and society. The national seminar on “Agriculture in Punjab: Challenges and Innovations,” was organized in collaboration with the Department of Political Science, GNDU, with the support of the Centre for Agricultural Research and Innovations (CARI), GNDU. The seminar aimed to bring an interdisciplinary perspective to understand the key issues affecting agriculture and rural livelihoods in Punjab, while also highlighting innovations and alternative approaches emerging in the sector.

The Convener of the seminar, Dr. Rachana Sharma, briefly introduced the theme of the seminar, highlighting its focus on the challenges and innovations in Punjab’s agriculture. Professor Satnam Singh Deol, Head of the Department, welcomed the guests.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Devinder Sharma, a noted author, food and agricultural expert, and a member of the High-Powered Committee on Agrarian Reforms in Punjab constituted by the Supreme Court of India. He discussed the major challenges faced by Indian agriculture, presenting cross-country and regional comparisons to highlight both common and Punjab-specific problems. Dr. Sharma pointed out that food prices are deliberately kept low to keep consumers satisfied, while farmers ultimately bear the economic burden. He argued that Punjab needs a new model of agriculture based on natural resource regeneration rather than an industry-driven second Green Revolution, and suggested drawing lessons from sustainable farming models being implemented in Andhra Pradesh.

On this occasion, a book by Professor Kuldip Singh, former faculty of the Department of Political Science, GNDU, titled Punjab River Waters Dispute in South Asia: Historical Legacies, Political Competition, and Peasant Interests, published by Routledge, UK, was released. The book examines the Punjab river waters dispute as a defining feature of regional politics in South Asia and analyses its intersections with peasant interests, rural Sikh society, the neighboring state of Haryana, and the Indian central government. The book was released by Professor Surinder Singh Jodhka, Dr. Jagmohan Singh, and Professor Satnam Singh Deol, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and Dean Students’ Welfare, GNDU.

The seminar also honored Professor Surinder Singh Jodhka, former Professor of Sociology at the Centre for the Study of Social Systems, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, for his significant contributions to the field of sociology. The citation was read by Dr. Rachana Sharma. The honor was conferred by the Chief Guest of the valedictory session, Professor Harvinder Singh Saini, Dean Academic Affairs, GNDU, in the presence of Professor Paramjit Singh Judge, Chair of the valedictory session and former faculty of the Department of Sociology, GNDU.

In his valedictory address, Professor Jodhka reflected on the construct of the village and challenged the dominant perception of villages as inherently backward. He traced how post-Independence development thinking, land reforms, the Green Revolution, democratization, and Panchayati Raj transformed rural power relations. He argued that rigid rural–urban distinctions are increasingly untenable in a globalized world. Referring to the farmers’ movement against the farm laws during 2020–21, he highlighted the political awareness and cosmopolitan outlook of rural communities. He emphasized that despite the declining share of agriculture in GDP, rural society and agriculture continue to play a vital role in livelihood security and social resilience.

The seminar featured presentations by Professor Kuldip Singh on river water systems and disputes, Dr. Renuka Aggarwal, Senior Scientist at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, on women in Punjab agriculture, Professor Jagmohan Singh, Director of the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Creativity Centre, Ludhiana, on environmental crisis, and Dr. Vinod Kumar, Head, Department of Sociology, Panjab University, on innovations and organic farming in Punjab.

Research papers by scholars from diverse interdisciplinary backgrounds were presented on themes including nano-bubble technology, stubble burning, psychological determinants of monocropping and farmer well-being, the innovative role of dairy cooperatives, ICT for sustainable rural development, access to and use of digital tools among farmers, legal dimensions of agricultural development in Punjab, millet-based nutrition, and environmental sustainability. The technical sessions were chaired by Professor Gurpreet Bal, former faculty of the Department of Sociology, GNDU, and Dr. Malkiyat Singh, Department of Political Science, GNDU.

The head of the department & Convenor of the Program- Prof. Satnam Singh Deol thanked everyone for their participation in the seminar.

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Read: Breakfast in Lahore, Lunch in Amritsar, & Dinner in Bangalore

The post Punjab Agriculture Faces Challenges first appeared on Sindh Courier.

• It allows Sindh to present itself not just as a destination, but as an experience rooted in authenticity and warmth.
• With thoughtful planning, community involvement, and institutional support, Sindh can transform its fields into footprints where travelers walk, learn, taste, and remember.

By Abdullah Usman Morai | Sweden

Sindh, Pakistan, has always been more than just a geographical region; it is a living landscape shaped by rivers, seasons, soil, and centuries of agricultural wisdom. From the fertile banks of the Indus to sprawling mango orchards and golden wheat fields, agriculture is not only the backbone of Sindh’s economy, but it is also its identity. Yet, while the province feeds millions, its agricultural richness remains largely unseen, unexplored, and untapped as a tourism experience.

This is where agro-tourism, or agricultural tourism, offers a transformative opportunity, one that can connect urban dwellers with rural life, farmers with fair incomes, and Sindh with both domestic and international travelers seeking authentic, meaningful experiences.

What Is Agro-Tourism and Why Sindh?

Agro-tourism allows visitors to experience farming life first-hand: walking through orchards, learning how crops are grown, tasting fresh produce, listening to farmers’ stories, and immersing themselves in local culture. Across the world, countries like Italy, Spain, Thailand, and India have successfully turned farms into destinations. Sindh, with its agricultural diversity, climate, and cultural depth, is naturally positioned to do the same.

Imagine leaving behind the concrete blocks and traffic of Sindh’s most urbanized city, Karachi, and traveling a few hours into the heart of rural Sindh, where the air smells of earth, trees whisper with birdsong, and time seems to slow down. This shift alone is a luxury many urban residents are craving.

A Mango Trail from Karachi to Tando Allah Yar

Take mango season as an example, Sindh’s most celebrated agricultural gift. Every summer, mangoes dominate conversations, markets, and memories. But what if mangoes became not just a fruit to buy, but a story to experience?

Picture a carefully curated agro-tourism trip organized through collaboration between tour operators and local farmers. A group of travelers departs from Karachi and heads toward Tando Allah Yar, visiting mango orchards such as those in Ali and Shakeel Palh’s, where generations of farming knowledge live among the trees.

The experience begins with an introduction: how mango trees are planted, how many years they take to bear fruit, the patience required, the pruning techniques, irrigation methods, and the constant care farmers provide throughout the year. Visitors learn that mangoes are not just grown; they are nurtured.

Stories That Make the Orchard Come Alive

What truly sets agro-tourism apart is storytelling. One such story, shared by Ali Palh in Lisbon, stays etched in memory. He recalled a time when green parrots were abundant in Sindh. When they descended upon mango trees and began eating the fruit, it was considered nature’s signal: the mangoes were ripe and ready.

This simple yet profound story reveals a deep, almost poetic relationship between farming and ecology, where birds, trees, and humans read the same signs of nature. Such stories turn a visit into an emotional experience, making people see agriculture not as an industry, but as a living ecosystem.

From Orchard to Plate: A Mango Celebration

The journey doesn’t end with knowledge; it culminates in joy. After walking through orchards and listening to farmers, visitors gather for a mango party: a celebration of taste, variety, and tradition.

Participants sample different types of mangoes, Sindhri, Chaunsa, Anwar Ratol, Langra, learning about their textures, sweetness levels, harvest times, and market demand. Farmers explain how mangoes travel from local orchards to national and international markets, including export challenges and opportunities.

This kind of experience not only delights the senses but also builds respect for the labor behind every bite.

Beyond Mangoes: A Year-Round Tourism Model

While mango season may be the flagship attraction, agro-tourism in Sindh should not be limited to a single fruit or season. The model can be expanded across districts and crops:

• Guava orchards in Larkana
• Rice fields in upper Sindh
• Sugarcane farms
• Wheat and lentil fields
• Vegetable farms
• Livestock and dairy units

Each crop has its own calendar, stories, tools, and traditions. Visitors can learn about crop rotation, water management, climate challenges, seed preservation, and even traditional farming games and practices.

Such experiences also open doors to learning about local birds, animals, folk games, rural cuisine, and indigenous knowledge, elements often missing from conventional tourism.

Empowering Farmers and Rural Communities

Agro-tourism is not just about visitors; it is about inclusive development. By hosting tourists, farmers gain an additional income stream that is not dependent on market fluctuations alone. Local youth can find employment as guides, storytellers, cooks, and coordinators. Women can participate through food preparation, handicrafts, and hospitality services.

This model helps reduce rural-urban migration by making villages economically viable and socially vibrant.

The Role of Government and Institutions

For agro-tourism to flourish sustainably, collaboration is essential. The Agriculture Department and Tourism Department of the Sindh government must work together to create policy frameworks, safety standards, promotional campaigns, and farmer training programs.

Equally important is infrastructure:

• Safe and clean accommodations
• Hygienic food facilities
• Trained local hosts
• Clear emergency protocols
• Well-maintained access roads

When tourists feel safe and comfortable, they return, and they tell others.

A New Way to See Sindh

Agro-tourism offers something rare in today’s fast-paced world: connection. Connection to food, land, people, and seasons. It allows Sindh to present itself not just as a destination, but as an experience rooted in authenticity and warmth.

With thoughtful planning, community involvement, and institutional support, Sindh can transform its fields into footprints where travelers walk, learn, taste, and remember.

The soil is ready. The stories are alive.

Now is the time to let Sindh’s agriculture welcome the world.

Read: Tolls, Taxes, and the Price of Inequality

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Abdullah Soomro, penname Abdullah Usman Morai, hailing from Moro town of Sindh, province of Pakistan, is based in Stockholm Sweden. Currently he is working as Groundwater Engineer in Stockholm Sweden. He did BE (Agriculture) from Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam and MSc water systems technology from KTH Stockholm Sweden as well as MSc Management from Stockholm University. Beside this he also did masters in journalism and economics from Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Mirs, Sindh. He is author of a travelogue book named ‘Musafatoon’. His second book is in process. He writes articles from time to time. A frequent traveler, he also does podcast on YouTube with channel name: VASJE Podcast.

The post From the Fields to Footprints first appeared on Sindh Courier.

• We must reverse this course by urgently enforcing smart planning

By Balach Khan

Pakistan’s most urgent crisis isn’t always headline news: it’s the relentless, unplanned conversion of our fertile agricultural land into concrete. As a law student, I see this reckless sprawl as a profound governance and ecological disaster. We are sacrificing our food security and destroying the critical biodiversity that sustains our environment for the short-term profits of real estate developers. This is a massive failure of planning that demands immediate national attention.

Our best farmland is an irreplaceable national asset, the very foundation of our agrarian economy. When a builder paves over these fields—particularly those near major cities like Lahore and Islamabad—they permanently decommission a regenerative food factory. This short-sighted practice leaves us perilously exposed to food shocks and drives inflation. We are literally eating the “seed corn” of Pakistan’s future, prioritizing speculative gains over our children’s food security.

The ecological costs are equally devastating. These fields are not empty; they are vital, active ecosystems. Unplanned construction causes severe habitat fragmentation, isolating and destroying populations of native flora and fauna. For instance, unchecked development along the Margalla Hills buffer zones pushes species like the common leopard into dangerous conflict with residents, while wetlands are erased, collapsing insect and bird populations. We are trading the resilience of nature for the fragility of concrete.

Read: The Impact of Urbanization on Pakistan’s Agricultural Land

The frustrating truth is that we have effective laws—like the Environmental Protection Act and various Town Planning Acts—but they are consistently undermined by powerful, well-connected lobbies and administrative indifference. The current system is operating exactly as designed by those who profit from environmental destruction.

We must reverse this course by urgently enforcing smart planning. I call on the media to treat the loss of farmland as a national security issue. Furthermore, our judiciary must actively intervene to uphold the constitutional right to a clean environment, demanding the immediate implementation of mandatory urban growth boundaries to protect the last remaining fertile land from being buried beneath concrete forever.

Read: The Uncontrolled Urbanization

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Balach Khan is a Law Student and lives in Islamabad. Email: balachkhan7776@gmail.com

The post Urban Sprawl Threatens Agricultural Sustainability first appeared on Sindh Courier.

• Climate change could reduce Pakistan’s overall agricultural productivity by 8-10% by 2040
• By 2050, losses in wheat and rice production could cost country $19.5 billion

Aamir Latif 

Karachi, Sindh

Agriculture makes up nearly a quarter of Pakistan’s gross domestic product and employs close to 40% of its workforce – yet the sector is edging toward crisis.

Often described as the backbone of the national economy, Pakistan’s farm industry has been stifled by a range of pressures: high input costs, outdated irrigation methods and degrading soils.

Now, experts warn, climate change could deal an even heavier blow – potentially slashing overall productivity by 8-10% by 2040.

But climate change is just one part of the storm. Zahid Hussain Bhurgri, secretary general of the Sindh Chamber of Agriculture, told Anadolu that the crisis is multifaceted.

“All of this is going to turn the country into a total import economy,” he said.

With nearly 58% of Pakistanis already food insecure, according to estimates, dwindling agricultural output threatens to worsen the humanitarian situation.

Hostile market forces

Falling commodity prices and soaring input costs have already discouraged many farmers from sowing crops, Bhurgri said.

“Prices of fertilizers, oil, electricity, seeds, and pesticides have gone up dramatically in recent years, which is taking a heavy toll on farmers,” he explained.

The effects are already showing in production data.

According to the Economic Survey of Pakistan, the country recorded a 13.5% drop in major crop output in the last fiscal year. Wheat production in southern Sindh – Pakistan’s second-largest agriculture region – fell from 4.1 million metric tons to 3.1 million tons.

Cotton yields plunged from 15.5 million bales to 5.2 million bales over the past five years.

“Why on Earth would someone produce a commodity that he or she has to sell in deficit?” Bhurgri said, referencing a price rift between farmers and the government in northeastern Punjab, the country’s food basket.

While farmers accuse the government of underpaying for crops, officials argue that price controls have helped curb food inflation. Bhurgri called the approach a “short-term slaughter” of the agriculture sector, warning it will have long-term consequences for Pakistan’s agricultural economy.

Asif Kamran, director of the Agriculture Policy Centre at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, agreed that market dynamics are skewed against farmers. Middlemen, he told Anadolu, also exploit their financial vulnerability.

“For small land owners, it is not feasible to make heavy investments and compete with large farmers,” he said. “It also decreases our farmers’ ability to compete with farmers in other countries where the land holdings are very large.”

Kamran said Pakistan should revive cooperatives to give farmers collective bargaining power and improve access to supplies, technology and markets.

No ‘future farmers’

Beyond market pressures, deeper structural issues loom, including the very future of who will farm the land.

Pakistan’s shrinking land-holding ratio could also lead to a shortage of “future farmers,” Kamran warned, which could have cascading effects on the country’s food security.

Rising population and housing demand have already turned large swaths of green land into concrete jungles in both major cities and smaller districts across Punjab and Sindh.

“Rural areas lack basic facilities and are becoming non-livable because of the urban bias of development policies in the past several decades,” he added.

This neglect is fueling migration to cities, accelerating farmland conversion and draining the agricultural labor force.

Bhurgri echoed the concern, noting that Pakistan already spends $11 billion annually on agricultural imports – including essential food staples – as domestic production falters.

Shaukat Ali Chadhar, secretary-general of the Kisan Board of Pakistan, a non-governmental agricultural advocacy group, estimated that 20% to 30% of Punjab’s fertile land – the source of 65% of the country’s food – has been lost to industrial projects and housing schemes.

In provincial capital Lahore, 70% of agricultural land has been converted to housing and industrial units, he said. In Gujrat, that figure is at 60%.

In key agricultural districts of central Punjab – such as Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, and Kasur – between 30% and 40% of fertile land has been sold to developers and industrialists.

Still, he noted, the land-holding ratio remains relatively strong in southern Punjab and northern Sindh, which currently produce more than half of the country’s wheat, sugarcane and cotton.

Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change

Fahd Rasul, an associate professor of agronomy at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, said climate change is already affecting Pakistan’s agriculture, leading to lower yields and greater economic vulnerability for farmers.

“Wheat, rice, cotton, sugarcane and maize are major crops highly prone to sudden temperature fluctuations and unpredictable, less frequent but more intense rains,” he told Anadolu.

Heat waves, he said, reduce wheat grain size and weight, cutting yields by 4-6% annually. Mango production has also taken a hit from extreme weather.

Rasul warned that climate-related losses in wheat and rice could cost Pakistan $19.5 billion by 2050, up from $2 billion annually today.

Overall, he projects an 8-10% drop in agricultural productivity by 2040 due to climate change.

Wheat yields may drop by up to 50% by 2050, he said, while heat waves could become 30 times more frequent.

Melting glaciers, erratic monsoons, and prolonged droughts are also disrupting water supplies. With over 60% of Pakistan’s farms reliant on rainfall or canal irrigation, the risks are dire.

He cited the catastrophic 2022 floods, which submerged a third of Pakistan’s farmland, as a warning.

Rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns are also affecting livestock, Rasul said, degrading soil, reducing milk output, raising animal mortality and threatening the livelihoods of some 30 million people.

Altered monsoons and warming waters are also disrupting fish stocks, he added, hurting both food access and income.

Hope in adaptation

Still, experts stress that Pakistan’s agricultural future is not doomed, but it does require urgent reform.

Kamran urged a shift to crop diversification, restorative crop cycles, and sustainable farming to preserve long-term soil health.

He urged farmers to switch to low delta crops that require less water and move away from outdated flood irrigation systems. The “judicial” use of strategic groundwater reserves is also critical, he added.

He hailed some of the government’s recent steps, including financial aid and loans to farmers, electronic warehouse receipts, an import tax on cotton and tax breaks on fertilizers and pesticides.

Bhurgri added that if farmers are supported through consistent and agriculture-friendly policies, the return on investment would be enormous.

Read: Migratory Birds Suffer Amid Climate Shifts

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Aamir Latif is a senior journalist based in Karachi, Sindh. He represents Anadolu, a Turkish news agency.

Courtesy: Anadolu Agency   

The post Agriculture: The Climate and Beyond first appeared on Sindh Courier.

UN Report

Agricultural land is more than just a resource to produce food – for many older adults around the world, a land deed is the only safety net they have as they enter their old age. As a result, they hold onto it tightly.

However, this creates challenges by limiting land access for the next generation and diminishing their voice in agricultural policymaking. Without land assets, young people struggle to secure the resources needed to become agricultural producers themselves.

Between 2005 and 2021, the number of youth employed in agrifood jobs declined by 10 per cent, prompting concerns for food production worldwide.

This is the challenge, examined by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)’s inaugural report on youth in agrifood systems examines. Released on Thursday, the report offers insights into the status of youth producers and the challenges they face.

“Because youth are the next generation of producers, consumers, processors of food, service providers, it is really important to understand how they can benefit from and contribute to agrifood systems,” said Lauren Phillips, deputy director of rural transformation and gender equality at FAO.

Key agents of change

With over 1.3 billion people worldwide between the ages of 15-24 – and 46 per cent of them living in rural areas – youth can be “key agents of change” for the agrifood sector, which is responsible for producing, processing and transporting the food that sustains the world.

Agrifood systems currently employ 44 per cent of working youth, especially in low- and lower-middle income countries where 85 per cent of the world’s youth in that age range reside.

However, over 20 per cent of youth are not in formal employment, education or training, meaning that their potential contribution agrifood and other economic sectors is underutilized.

Ending worldwide unemployment for these young people could generate $1.5 trillion for the global GDP, $670 billion of which would come from the agrifood sector alone.

“Young people can drive economic transformation and global prosperity,” said QU Dongyu, Director-General of FAO.

Vulnerable jobs with low wages

While youth are “key agents of change” for the agrifood sector and the global economy writ large according to the report, they also face many challenges in realizing this potential.

The next generation of agrifood producers will confront a growing global population requiring more food and increasing climate shocks threatening food supplies.

FAO estimates that 395 million youth live in rural areas expected to see declines in agricultural productivity due to climate impacts.

Despite large numbers employed in agrifood, most youth work in vulnerable jobs: 91 per cent of young women and 83 per cent of young men hold positions that often offer few benefits and are seasonal.

Give youth a reason to pick agrifood

Low wages and hazardous conditions discourage continued employment and drive migration to urban centers.

“Policies really need to make sure that they invest in preparing young people with skills and education so that they can have decent jobs in agrifood systems,” Ms. Phillips said.

One major barrier for youth aspiring to become producers is lack of social and financial capital – policy makers often overlook youth voices, and young people struggle to access loans, banking services, and land deeds.

Youth involvement in policymaking can sometimes feel “tokenistic.” The report highlights that collective action—whether through informal networks or formal unions and cooperatives—can amplify youth voices.

It also calls for expanded training and restructuring financial systems to improve access for young people.

“FAO is unconditionally committed to stepping up its work with and for youth to ensure their voices are heard and that their participation in and contribution to sustainable and inclusive agrifood systems are fully harnessed,” FAO Director-General QU said.

Read: Sindh’s Agriculture is at Great Risk

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Courtesy: UN News

The post The Landless and locked out first appeared on Sindh Courier.

By Ali Nawaz Rahimoo

The Thar Desert, sprawling across approximately 20,000 square kilometers in India and Pakistan, is renowned for its extreme aridity and challenging environment. Despite these harsh conditions, the desert is quietly emerging as a beacon of sustainable and organic agriculture, demonstrating how traditional knowledge combined with modern techniques can transform adversity into opportunity.

The Seasonal Transformation of Thar

During the monsoon season, when rainfall is sufficient, the barren sands of Thar undergo a remarkable transformation. The landscape, traditionally seen as a hostile, inhospitable environment, bursts into life. Sandy terrains bloom into patches of green, providing vital fodder and food crops for the local communities. This seasonal change is a lifeline for farmers and pastoralists who depend heavily on renewable resources during these fleeting periods of fertility.

Traditional Crops and Livelihoods

Farmers in Thar capitalize on the brief window of rainfall to cultivate traditional crops such as millet, known locally as bajra, cluster beans (guar), and mung beans (moong). These crops are well-suited to the arid climate, as they require minimal water and thrive in nutrient-poor soils. They serve a dual purpose: nourishing the local populations and generating income through local markets.

The natural grasses that flourish post-rain, like desert grasses or khejri (Prosopis cineraria), act as crucial fodder for livestock such as cattle, goats, and camels, supporting the hardy pastoral economy of the region. Additionally, during these seasons, a unique variety of wild mushrooms, locally appreciated as jungli khumb, sprout naturally, becoming a delicacy and a valuable source of income.

Unique Crops and Eco-Friendly Practices

The resilience of Thar’s agriculture is exemplified by the cultivation of water-loving crops like Chhaheen or tarbooz (watermelons). Uniquely, the flesh of Thar’s watermelons varies in color—ranging from white to pink—yet they are celebrated for their exceptional sweetness.

In recent years, the focus has shifted towards eco-friendly farming practices that harness traditional wisdom while incorporating modern sustainability techniques. Crops like bajra, til (sesame), and guar are central to this movement, as they demand less water and nutrients, making them ideal for low-resource environments.

Farmers are also cultivating medicinal plants such as neem (Azadirachta indica) and senna (Cassia angustifolia), which not only provide economic benefits but also contribute to environmental health by promoting biological diversity and offering natural remedies.

Creating Micro-Ecosystems

Additionally, indigenous trees like ber (jujube, Ziziphus jujuba) and khejri (Prosopis cineraria) are being integrated into farming systems. These trees offer multiple benefits—fruits, shade, and fodder—while creating micro-ecosystems that support biodiversity, prevent soil erosion, and improve moisture retention in the soil.

Innovating for Sustainable Water Use

A shining example of innovative, sustainable farming in Thar is the story of Atta Muhammad from Village Tardos. As a progressive farmer, he owns an 8-acre plot called Azad Agricultural Research Farm, where he employs modern methods to optimize water use in the desert.

With support from the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) Umerkot, Atta Muhammad has planted date palms (khajoor)—known locally as tamar—whose fruits have unlocked new economic avenues. To ensure efficient water management, he installed two boreholes and a large water storage tank, utilizing solar-powered submersible pumps to extract groundwater and feed irrigation systems such as drip irrigation.

This use of solar energy not only reduces energy costs but also exemplifies environmentally sustainable practices—minimizing water wastage, conserving energy, and enabling year-round cultivation despite the desert’s conditions.

Beyond Farming: A Movement for Resilience and Sustainability

The revival of agriculture in Thar is much more than a mere economic activity—it’s a movement towards resilience, climate adaptation, and community empowerment. As these eco-friendly and organic practices become more widespread, they contribute to the fight against desertification and help to combat the adverse impacts of climate change.

The focus on traditional crops, medicinal plants, indigenous trees, and innovative water management exemplifies how a blend of local knowledge and modern science can create a sustainable future for arid lands.

Conclusion

The Thar Desert, often viewed as a symbol of harshness and despair, is transforming into a model of eco-friendly agriculture—an inspiring example of resilience in the face of adversity. Through the dedication of farmers like Atta Muhammad and the supportive efforts of research organizations, the desert’s barren sands are gradually turning green, promising a sustainable future grounded in nature-friendly practices and community empowerment.

As Thar’s organic movement gains momentum, it continues to prove that even in the most inhospitable environments, hope, innovation, and determination can forge pathways toward prosperity and ecological harmony.

Read: Kunri Red Chilli Crop Under Threat

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Ali Nawaz Rahimoo, based in Umerkot, Sindh is a social development professional. He can be contacted on anrahimoo@gmail.com 

The post Organic Agriculture in Thar Desert first appeared on Sindh Courier.