Academic calls for adopting sustainable agricultural practices

Food security has become a critical challenge due to severe impacts of climate change, necessitating the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.

This was emphasised by Prof Dr Jam Ghulam Murtaza Sahito, principal of the Khairpur College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology (KCAET), during a meeting with a United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) delegation led by horticulture specialist Sadia Siddiqui.

Dr Sahito highlighted the need for collaboration between agricultural academic institutions, and national and international organisations to address food security issues. He proposed seminars and advocacy meetings to educate farming communities in Sindh about sustainable practices.

He noted that global warming presented numerous challenges to the rural economy and stressed the importance of mechanised farming methods to mitigate climate impacts.

Dr Sahito stated that empowering communities to adopt smart agriculture was essential for tackling food security and water scarcity.

Siddiqui remarked that institutions like the Sindh Agriculture University and KCAET could play a vital role in training farmers. She advocated for using social media campaigns to address nutrition issues, particularly among vulnerable populations. On World Food Day, the KCAET and FAO planned to organise various events to raise awareness about food security challenges facing farming communities in Khairpur and other districts of Sindh.