Daily Times

There’s no denying the significance of the agriculture sector to Pakistan’s economic growth and food security. However, a long list of challenges in recent years, such as low growth rates and the loss of farmland due to flooding, deemed it necessary for the administration to consider out-of-the-box solutions to expand cultivable land, optimise land use, minimise water losses, and attract foreign investment. The construction of the Cholistan Canal under the Green Pakistan Initiative, thus, marks a crucial milestone in Pakistan’s quest for a more sustainable agricultural sector.

Scheduled for completion by 2027, this flagship project is set to irrigate 1.2 million acres of land in the Greater Cholistan region.

By converting wasteland into irrigated agricultural land, these projects will enhance agricultural productivity, trigger income generation, and create employment opportunities. The use of advanced telemetry systems will bring accuracy in monitoring and ensure efficient water distribution.

This improved communication infrastructure will give farmers better access to markets, while large-scale corporate farming using High-Efficiency Irrigation Systems will result in higher yields and lower water usage. A holistic approach can ensure that Pakistan’s agricultural sector remains resilient in the face of changing climate patterns, something that has become the primary challenge in the face of unprecedented and frequent natural disasters.

As always, true benefits and progress towards the creation of a more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural sector would rely upon the political will to look beyond petty squabble and strengthen the country’s food security. If the provincial and federal authorities join hands to ensure an expanded and efficient agricultural network all the while prioritising the welfare and livelihoods of locals, the completion of these projects will undoubtedly have a positive impact on Pakistan’s economy.

The fact that Sindh has already raised concerns about the potential impact on water supply also needs to be addressed transparently to pave the path for across-the-board consensus. *