Importance of Improving Information Flow for Agricultural Food Systems Reform
Published on: January 17, 2024.
Filed under:
ISLAMABAD – Experts at a recent webinar on agricultural food systems and climate impact emphasized the importance of disseminating information to stakeholders and managing data governance to revolutionize agricultural practices. The webinar, titled ‘Potential of Agri-food Systems and Mitigating Climate Impacts,’ was organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI). Participants included members of academia, media, and professionals.
Dr. Abid Qayum Suleri, Executive Director of SDPI, highlighted the impact of climate change on food access and availability due to environmental degradation. He noted that adverse weather conditions can cause irreversible damage to the agriculture and food sectors. Dr. Suleri also mentioned the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) target of reducing CO2 emissions from the crop sector by 32% through various strategies.
The FAO Representative in Pakistan, Florence Rolle, acknowledged the reality of climate change and stressed the need for adaptation and incentives for farmers to conserve water and diversify crops. She proposed early crop sowing as a strategy to increase productivity with limited resources. Rolle emphasized the importance of revisiting Pakistan’s agriculture sector and considering weather patterns to optimize crop farming systems.
Rolle also discussed the affordability of a healthy diet, stating that access to a diversified diet is essential for maintaining good health. She urged policymakers to revisit food policies and explore opportunities for public access to safe and nutritious food, food security, and export potential.
Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, VC of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, highlighted the dominance of wheat and rice crops in Pakistan’s agriculture, which consume a significant amount of water and contribute to CO2 emissions. He suggested diversifying agricultural patterns by reducing water usage in rice-wheat cultivation and promoting other crops like soybean. Dr. Khan emphasized the need for knowledge-sharing and mechanization to facilitate the transition to alternative crops.
In conclusion, the experts emphasized the urgent need to address climate change impacts on agriculture and promote sustainable food systems in Pakistan. They called for collaborative efforts between policymakers, researchers, and farmers to ensure a resilient and environmentally-friendly future.
Source: [Nation.com.pk](https://www.nation.com.pk)
