A three-day 9th national farmer’s convention on ‘Self Sufficiency in Food through better Water Management’ began at Pakistan academy of Rural Development (PARD).
More than 200 farmers, from across the country, take part in the convention where experts highlighted different problems accost to agricultural farming, food security, irrigation system, utilization of water, research and its collision on overall agriculture growth.
The conference was addressed by Director General PARD, Nighat Mehroz, Founder Chairman Rural Development Union Faisalabad, Nazir Ahmed Watto, farmer’s leaders and others.
Director General PARD, Nighat Mehroz said water was an important product necessary for survival of humans, animals and extra care was required in its use. Use of water resources should be done strictly on scientific measurement, mathematics and precise estimates.
As per National Policy for Food Security 2018, she said about 45perc population in rural areas, 58pc in erstwhile Fata, 52 pc in Balochistan and 51pc in Gilgit Baltistan are facing shortage and imbalances in food.
Nighat Mehroz suggested that farmers should concentrate on crops and plantation of trees’ saplings consume less water besides appropriate for our country’s climate to reduce burden on water resources.
To address these challenges, different agriculture research institutes including NIFA, Pir Sabaq Research Institute, Livestock and Dairy Development Department, Agriculture Development Program besides would provide direct professional consultation and services to farmers besides improved capacity of farmers.
During convention, an agriculture exhibition comprising up to date technology was also organized where around 35 agriculture departments and its fond of organizations has setup their stalls.
A number of areas, water bench has decreased at alarming level due to an excessive use and wastage of water and feared drought in these localities due to climate change situation if mismanagement of water continues.