Global Rice News

The Potential of Agrifood Systems and Mitigating Climate Impacts

The experts at a recent webinar emphasized the importance of enhancing the flow of information to stakeholders and managing data governance to revolutionize agrifood systems. The Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) organized the webinar titled “Potential of Agrifood Systems and Mitigating Climate Impacts,” which attracted participants from academia, media, and professionals.

The Executive Director of SDPI, Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, opened the discussion by highlighting how climate change poses a threat to food access and availability due to environmental degradation. He noted that the year 2023 was the hottest year on record, and La Nina and El Nino were wreaking havoc in affected countries. Understanding the impact on agriculture and food sectors is crucial.

Dr. Suleri mentioned that while services and manufacturing sectors can temporarily halt their operations during adverse weather conditions, the agriculture and food sectors face irreversible damage to crops and species due to shifting weather patterns.

He appreciated the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for its effort in producing a report on food system sustainability during the COP-28 moot. The report highlights the target of achieving 32% CO2 removal from the crop sector through various strategies, which is a positive step in the right direction.

Dr. Suleri also mentioned that SDPI had organized a hackathon before its flagship SDC conference in 2023, focusing on food and agriculture. The event received support from the Canadian mission in Pakistan.

Florence Rolle, the FAO’s representative in Pakistan, stressed that climate change is a reality that cannot be denied. She shared that Pakistan must adapt to climate change by providing effective incentives to farmers for water conservation and crop productivity through alternative crops. Crop diversification is essential for ensuring water and resource availability.

Rolle suggested that focusing on early crop sowing can generate more produce with available resources. There is scientific evidence supporting this approach, which can be beneficial if applied to different crop-farming systems.

She highlighted the importance of affordable and diverse diets to promote healthy lifestyles. Approximately one billion people worldwide cannot afford a healthy diet, and existing food policies require revisiting to ensure relief for those in need.

Rolle emphasized the significance of data in improving the agricultural system in Pakistan. Although Pakistan has developed various crop species, the lack of data should not hinder the adoption of modern technology and techniques.

She also identified the scarcity of data and governance as major obstacles in crisis management.

Regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs), Rolle stressed that they are not the sole solution for food security. It is essential to consider other factors and approaches.

Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, provided insights into Pakistan’s agricultural landscape. He stated that wheat and rice occupy a significant portion of cropland, with rice being the largest contributor to CO2 emissions. Diversifying agricultural patterns by reducing the water usage in the rice-wheat system and promoting other crops like soybean can enhance food security.

Dr. Khan also highlighted the need to shift from puddle fields to direct-seeding rice cultivation, which has demonstrated positive outcomes under normal sowing conditions. The challenge lies in mechanizing rice cultivation, which requires the support and capacity-building of small farmers.

In conclusion, the webinar emphasized the importance of data, research, and innovation in transforming agrifood systems to mitigate climate impacts. Education and awareness among stakeholders, including media and policymakers, play a crucial role in ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.