Experts advocate for the use of drought-resistant seeds as a solution to combat climate change-induced water scarcity in Punjab. They emphasize the urgency of developing crops that require less water while maintaining high yields.
Dr. Mehmood from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, stresses the need for a new cropping pattern to mitigate water shortages. He highlights the impact of climate change on cultivation patterns and underscores the importance of low water consumption and high-yield crops.
Warning about the worsening water scarcity due to climate change, Dr. Mehmood calls for the development of seeds that can thrive in such conditions. He urges policymakers to formulate plans and targets for transitioning to these new cropping patterns.
Meanwhile, farmer Muhammad Khan, facing challenges due to water scarcity, expresses the financial burden of relying on tubewells for irrigation. He highlights the need for addressing issues like seed quality and input costs to support farmers in cultivating their crops.
Dr. Mehmood emphasizes the establishment of research wings in agriculture and irrigation departments to address water scarcity effectively. He advocates for modern farming practices and crop diversification to reduce water consumption.
Progressive farmer Ahmed Malik shares his efforts to transition to drought-resistant crops like pulses, millet, and chickpeas. He emphasizes the importance of researching irrigation methods to conserve water and reduce reliance on pesticides.