Amal Kamal
Most underdeveloped countries are extremely susceptible to climate change given their substantial dependence on agriculture, and Pakistan is no exception. A country cradled by the Indus, Pakistan has long thrived on the abundance of its fertile lands. However, the rhythm is changing as it is disrupted by the drumbeat of climate change. Erratic rainfall patterns, intense heat waves, and devastating floods pose a threat to the country’s agricultural core. In this critical juncture, Climate-Smart Agriculture emerges as the way forward.
Pakistan’s agriculture is precariously dependent on the whims of the weather. Droughts parch crops, floods wash away entire generations, and escalating temperatures push agricultural belts northward. CSA practices like drought-resistant seed variants, water-efficient irrigation techniques, and crop diversification empower farmers to adapt to these eruptive conditions.
This further leads to planting seeds of food security for future generations, and this can only be done by establishing ecological resilience.
It’s safe to say that agriculture contributes generously to Pakistan’s greenhouse gas emissions. Climate Smart Agriculture seeks to backpedal this by aiding practices that impound carbon in the soil, such as no-till farming and the use of cover crops. By plummeting emissions while simultaneously thrusting yields, CSA offers an alley towards a sustainable and prolific future, where agriculture not only nourishes the nation but also cools the planet.
It is important to note that the shift towards Climate Smart Agriculture isn’t just about technology but also about empowering the millions of farmers who are the backbone of
Pakistan’s rural economy. Climate Smart Techniques often entail nominal capital investment, relying on indigenous awareness and locally available resources. By endowing farmers with the techniques and tools to bloom in a varying climate, CSA nurtures income, braces communities, and towers a more impartial agricultural landscape.
Another ignored factor in Pakistan is water scarcity, which has become the Achilles’ heel. Conventional irrigation practices gulp this prized resource, leaving fields parched and future harvests doubtful. CSA champions water-efficient techniques such as drip irrigation and meticulous agriculture, ensuring every drop of water nourishes crops. By optimising water use, CSA guarantees the resilience of both agriculture and the tantalising ecosystems that sustain it.
Moreover, it is crucial to understand that embracing climate smart agriculture is not just an environmental imperative but also an economic one. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Management explored how drip irrigation, if used in Pakistan, can reduce water usage by up to 50%. This shows how new innovative methods can promote sustainability and contribute towards a resilient future. Another interesting practice that can help sequester carbon is agroforestry. Agroforestry is the process of incorporating trees into agricultural landscapes. Not only does this help sequester carbon, but it also enhances soil health, providing other benefits such as shade for crops and habitat for wildlife. According to research published in the journal Agroforestry Systems, agroforestry can requisite up to one tonne of carbon per hectare annually.
The need for Climate Smart Agriculture is a nerve-wracking one. CSA is not a magic bullet, but a vital tool in Pakistan’s arsenal to contribute to climate conservation. It will not only steer development through an environmental lens but also provide economic harmony.
The writer is a policy analyst and specializes in public policy. X: @amalsyed1
