Phhsa Takes Timely Measures to Address Declining Arable Land
Pakistan Urged to Address Challenges in Rice Cultivation through Advanced Agricultural Practices
Lahore, June 9, 2024 – As Pakistan faces the threat of diminishing arable land and water scarcity, timely measures are needed to ensure the country’s food security, particularly in rice cultivation. This was highlighted by Shahzad Ali Malik, Chairman of the Pakistan Hitech Hybrid Seed Association (PHHSA), who emphasized the importance of adopting advanced agricultural technologies and sustainable practices to counter these challenges.
Rice is a staple food crop and a crucial component of Pakistan’s agriculture sector, contributing significantly to the national economy and food security. However, the increasing urbanization, industrial expansion, and climate change are progressively reducing the available land and water resources for agriculture.
In order to mitigate these issues, Malik emphasized the need to develop and adopt drought-resistant and high-yielding rice seed varieties. Through genetic modification and traditional breeding techniques, these varieties can thrive in less water-intensive conditions and are more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
Investing in research and development to innovate such crops is essential. Malik stressed the importance of collaborative efforts between farmers and agricultural research institutions, such as the Guard Agricultural Research and Services Division, in effectively implementing these research technologies and practices. Providing training and resources to farmers will facilitate the transition to these new methods, ensuring sustainable rice production in Pakistan amid dwindling land and water resources.
Malik also highlighted the potential of precision agriculture, an approach that utilizes GPS, remote sensing, and data analytics to optimize crop farming. This technology enables efficient water usage, better pest control, and appropriate fertilizer application, resulting in higher yields with fewer inputs.
As Pakistan strives to address the challenges facing rice cultivation, it is crucial to embrace advanced agricultural practices that enhance productivity while conserving resources. By adopting drought-resistant varieties and implementing precision agriculture techniques, Pakistan can strengthen its rice sector and ensure food security for its population.
Source: [UrduPoint](https://www.urdupoint.com)