sameeullah
LAUNCHED on February 15, 2025, the Green Pakistan Initiative’s Cholistan Project was presented as a transformative step toward agricultural modernization.
Supported by Saudi investors and leading Pakistani firms, it aimed to convert desert land into productive farmland through precision agriculture and advanced irrigation systems—an ambitious effort to strengthen food security, stimulate economic growth and promote environmental sustainability. At its core, the Initiative seeks to expand cultivation by utilizing underused land and modern farming techniques. It aspires to reduce food imports, generate rural employment, attract foreign investment, conserve water through improved irrigation and contribute to national development. In concept, it reflects Pakistan’s urgent need to address water scarcity, climate stress and declining agricultural productivity.
As 2026 unfolds, however, the project’s progress appears more gradual and complex than initially anticipated. Large-scale agricultural transformation in arid regions requires careful alignment between environmental realities, infrastructure readiness and inter-provincial coordination. Some operational and environmental challenges have slowed implementation, while stakeholders continue to reassess timelines and expectations. Pakistan’s agricultural sector, which contributes roughly a quarter of GDP and employs a significant portion of the workforce, is under real pressure from water shortages and climate variability. Against this backdrop, the Initiative offered a compelling vision of modernization. Its framework included long-term leases for corporate investors developing parcels of 1,000 acres or more. International and domestic firms, including Saudi Arabia’s AlKhorayef Group and SALIC, as well as Pakistani companies such as Fatima Group and Unity Foods, expressed interest in cultivating wheat, cotton, vegetables and other crops.
A central technological feature of the project was the use of pivot irrigation systems—large circular sprinklers capable of watering hundreds of acres with precision. These systems were designed to draw groundwater and distribute water efficiently, monitored by satellite imagery and modern data tools. On paper, the approach represented cutting-edge agricultural planning. However, the hydrogeological characteristics of Cholistan present inherent limitations. Studies indicate that much of the region’s groundwater is saline, restricting its suitability for conventional irrigation. Freshwater availability depends largely on rainfall patterns and future canal infrastructure. Plans referenced the possible extension of canal networks linked to the Indus River system to supplement water supplies, similar to irrigation models in other parts of Punjab.
Water distribution in Pakistan is a sensitive inter-provincial matter governed by the 1991 Water Apportionment Accord. Concerns were raised in Sindh regarding potential downstream impacts, particularly for agricultural districts and the Indus Delta ecosystem. In March 2025, the Sindh Provincial Assembly passed a resolution opposing additional diversions without consensus. Public debate and consultations followed, underscoring the importance of cooperative federalism in large-scale water planning. Over time, some project areas shifted focus toward forage crops such as Rhodes grass, which are better suited to arid conditions. While this adjustment reflects adaptive management, it also highlights the need to align crop selection with environmental realities. Investors have accordingly reviewed their commitments in light of evolving feasibility assessments, while the government continues to explore technical and financial solutions.
Another aspect of the Initiative involves the use of state-owned land. In certain locations land previously cultivated by tenant farmers became part of expansion planning. This has prompted dialogue regarding land rights, compensation frameworks and environmental considerations. Civil society groups and farming communities have emphasized the importance of inclusive decision-making, environmental protection and preservation of mature trees in arid ecosystems. Such debates are not unusual in large national projects.
To strengthen outcomes in desert regions like Cholistan, greater emphasis on water-efficient and climate-smart solutions may prove beneficial. Drought-resistant crops, drip irrigation, small-scale water reservoirs and rainwater harvesting can complement large infrastructure plans. Lessons from countries with similar climates, including the United Arab Emirates, demonstrate that hydroponic and vertical farming systems can produce high yields using significantly less water. Facilities such as Emirates Hydroponics Farms and Emirates Crop One illustrate how technology, when adapted to local conditions, can enhance productivity while conserving resources.
By integrating modern innovation with environmental prudence and community participation, the Green Pakistan Initiative retains the potential to contribute meaningfully to food security and rural development. Large-scale transformation inevitably involves learning curves. With careful planning, inter-provincial cooperation and sustainable water management, the Initiative can evolve into a model that balances ambition with ecological responsibility. The path forward lies not in abandoning vision, but in refining it—ensuring that progress is inclusive, environmentally sound and aligned with Pakistan’s long-term national interests. Consistent transparency, stakeholder trust and evidence-based policy-making will be crucial to maintaining investor confidence and public support across Pakistan.
— The writer is an educator, based in Sindh.
