Pakistan faces a serious water scarcity problem, threatening its agricultural industry, which uses more than 70 percent of the country’s freshwater. Pakistan is fast becoming a water-scarce country as the amount of water available per person has decreased from 5,000 cubic meters in 1947 to less than 1,000 cubic meters now. Inefficient water management and the effects of climate change, such as rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns, are damaging key crops including wheat, rice and sugarcane. Due to this, the livelihood and food security of millions of people are at risk. To tackle this crisis, modern irrigation methods including drip irrigation, production of drought resistant crops and modernization of ancient canal systems are essential to address this challenge. Educating farmers on technology-based water management and sustainable practices can ensure optimal use.
Maryam Ikram
Lahore