STAFF REPORT FBD: Water security has become a critical issue as Pakistan has been placed in the Red Zone list in the water availability index.
“Although Pakistan is a food secure country, yet the water crisis might turn the fertile lands into barren if the issue is not addressed in time,” said University of Agriculture Faisalabad Vice-Chancellor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan while addressing an annual function of the Agricultural Engineering Department here last week.
He stressed the need to sensitise the public about the challenge by giving them awareness regarding water conservation methods. He said that the drip irrigation is the method to minimise the use of water in agriculture that must be promoted in the country.
In India, a large number of farmers use drill cultivation that is one of their secrets to excel in the agriculture sector, he added.
Dr Rai Niaz said that the UAF has started the Food Engineering Programme for producing quality manpower.
Meanwhile, talking to an Australian delegation from the Agriculture Sector Linkages Programme at his chamber, UAF VC Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said that Pakistan should export mangoes to India by road to earn foreign exchange.