Running dry

Pakistan faces a serious problem with water scarcity, endangering its agricultural industry, which uses more than 70 per cent of the nation's freshwater. Pakistan is rapidly becoming a water-scarce country since the amount of water available per person has drastically decreased from 5,000 cubic meters in 1947 to less than 1,000 cubic meters now. Ineffective water management and the effects of climate change, such as rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns, are hurting important crops including wheat, rice, and sugarcane. Millions of people's livelihoods and food security are at risk because of this. To address this crisis, modern irrigation methods including drip irrigation, the production of crops resistant to drought, and the modernisation of antiquated canal systems are crucial to resolving this challenge. Educating farmers about technology-driven water management and sustainable practices can ensure optimal use.

Maryam Ikram

Lahore