The Sindh government is taking significant steps to address the mounting challenges posed by climate change on agriculture in the province. A range of new initiatives is being introduced, including training and awareness programs for farmers, the construction of new watercourses, smart subsidies, solar lift pumping, laser land leveling, crop reporting, and digitizing agricultural marketing.
These initiatives are part of the broader Sindh Water and Agricultural Transformation (SWAT) Project, a key development aimed at transforming agriculture in the region. The initiative was discussed in a critical meeting chaired by Sardar Muhammad Bux Mahar, the Sindh Minister for Agriculture, and attended by key officials, including Agriculture Secretary Sohail Ahmed Qureshi, Deputy Secretary Agriculture, and Project Director Dr. Liaquat Ali Bhutto.
The meeting provided an in-depth overview of the SWAT Project, which focuses on adapting the agriculture sector to the adverse effects of climate change. Minister Sardar Muhammad Bux Mahar outlined the ambitious scope of the program, which will cover nine districts, including Ghotki, Sukkur, Sanghar, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Tando Muhammad Khan, and Hyderabad. The project will focus on improving agricultural productivity through education, modern irrigation methods, and the introduction of new technologies.
Specifically, 100,000 acres will benefit from smart subsidies aimed at promoting climate-smart farming, with 14,575 male and female farmers receiving vital training on efficient water use, optimal fertilizer application, and seed selection. Mahar also announced plans for financial support for pulses, vegetables, oilseeds, and orchard farming, covering 1,000 acres, as well as the installation of drip irrigation systems on an additional 900 acres.
The minister emphasized the urgency of adopting climate-smart agriculture to safeguard the future of Sindh’s agricultural sector. He highlighted that climate-induced challenges, such as droughts, water shortages, and floods, have already caused substantial harm to crops, and stressed that water conservation and efficient irrigation systems, including solar-powered solutions, are key to addressing these issues. In response to the recent floods and rains, the Sindh government has already distributed Rs. 19 billion in subsidies to affected farmers. The government’s focus is also on increasing water storage capacity, preventing wastage, and fostering the growth of climate-resilient crops. Under the Water Saving and Productivity Enhancement Project, plans are underway to construct 185 new watercourses and line an additional 500 watercourses, which will help ensure more efficient water use across the province. The SWAT project, which is projected to conclude in December 2028, is seen as a crucial part of Sindh’s strategy to strengthen its agriculture sector and protect it from the evolving impacts of climate change.
