Arsalan Ali

The detrimental impact of climate change on the agriculture sector can be addressed through the adoption of geographic information systems (GIS) and climate-smart technology (CST). These innovative technologies will empower farmers to improve crop health and strengthen food security, and also help to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), experts said.

Dr Muhammad Asif, Scientific Officer at Pir Mehar Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, told WealthPK that by leveraging GIS and CST, farmers can gain valuable insights into crucial aspects of their farms, such as crop health, soil fertility, water availability, and temperature. “This, in turn, enables farmers to make informed decisions and take timely action to mitigate the risks associated with flooding and climate hazards,” he added.

Dr Asif said the the integration of GIS and CST holds incredible promise in advancing the UN’s SDGs. He said such practices align harmoniously with SDG-2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG-13 (Climate Action). He said that by adopting climate-smart agriculture techniques, smallholder farmers can boost crop yields, fortify food security, and make substantial contributions to SDG-2.

A study conducted by the World Bank sheds light on Pakistan’s farming landscape. The average farm size stands at a mere 2.6 hectares, with 43% of farmers classified as smallholders, possessing less than one hectare. Merely 22% of farmers own more than 3 hectares of land. This indicates the pressing need to equip these farmers with cutting-edge tools and technology.

Dr Asif said climate-smart agriculture practices are not only beneficial for farmers, but also for the planet. “By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing carbon sequestration, farmers can play a pivotal role in combating climate change, contributing directly to the ambitious targets of SDG 13,” he added. He said adverse weather patterns and extreme events have taken a toll on agricultural productivity, exacerbating the challenges of food security. According to a report published by Pakistan Business Council (PBC), key crops like wheat, rice, and sugarcane yield less than 50% of global best practices. The report said Pakistan struggles to increase productivity when compared to its neighbouring countries.

Source/Pakistan Business Council

Dr Asif acknowledged that the widespread adoption of these transformative technologies is not without its share of hurdles. He said that one significant challenge lies in the limited knowledge among farmers regarding the optimal utilisation of the GIS technology. Moreover, he said that the financial burden imposed by the cost of these advanced systems presents a formidable barrier, and emphasised the need to implement supportive measures, such as subsidies or low-interest loans, which can alleviate the economic strain on farmers, particularly for smallholder farmers already burdened by poverty. He also emphasised the role of the government and agriculture department in providing comprehensive training programs that impart necessary skills to effectively harness the GIS technology.

Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director of Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), said food security situation in Pakistan is worsening due to the natural disasters brought about by climate change, needing urgent innovative measures to increase productivity to feed an increasing population. He stated that agriculture requires the adoption of modern and innovative techniques for development, adding that the next decade was the era of precision agriculture, as traditional farming practices will no longer be effective in future.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk