Sindh Government Initiates Projects to Address Climate Change and Modernize Agriculture.
Karachi Web desk: The Sindh government has announced new initiatives aimed at combating climate change, raising awareness among farmers, and providing them with training. The projects include the construction of new watercourses, the introduction of smart subsidies, solar-powered lift pumping systems, and laser leveling technology.
A meeting chaired by Sindh’s Agriculture Minister, Sardar Muhammad Bux Maher, discussed the Sindh Water and Agricultural Transformation (SWAT) Project. Key participants included Agriculture Secretary Sohail Ahmed Qureshi, Deputy Secretary, Project Director Dr. Liaquat Ali Bhutto, Managing Director of Sindh Seed Corporation, and other officials.
Key Highlights from the Meeting:
- SWAT Project Overview:
The SWAT project, expected to conclude by December 2028, will be implemented across nine districts of Sindh. Under the Water Saving and Productivity Enhancement Plan, 185 new watercourses will be constructed, and the lining of 500 existing watercourses will be completed soon. - Subsidies for Farmers:
- Farmers will receive smart subsidies on 100,000 acres of agricultural land.
- Subsidies will also be provided for growing pulses, vegetables, oilseeds, and orchards on 1,000 acres.
- Modern drip irrigation systems will be installed on an additional 900 acres.
- Training and Awareness Programs:
- Around 14,575 male and female farmers will be trained to address the impacts of climate change.
- Training will cover efficient water use, fertilizer application, seed optimization, and increasing agricultural productivity.
- Modernization of Agriculture:
The government is providing financial assistance for purchasing advanced agricultural equipment, high-quality seeds, and fertilizers. These measures aim to enhance productivity and enable farmers to adopt modern farming techniques. - Climate-Resilient Agriculture:
Minister Sardar Muhammad Bux Maher emphasized the importance of adopting climate-smart agriculture to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, such as droughts, water shortages, floods, and extreme weather events. - Support for Flood-Affected Farmers:
Farmers impacted by recent floods and rains in Sindh have received subsidies amounting to ₹19 billion.
The Sindh government remains committed to supporting farmers through innovative agricultural practices and equipping them to tackle the challenges posed by climate change.
