KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, presiding over an agriculture department meeting, emphasised the need to gradually shift the province’s cropping patterns to suit climate realities, water availability, and market demand. He noted that traditional practices are increasingly unsustainable due to water scarcity, soil degradation, and changing weather conditions.
He described agriculture as the backbone of Sindh’s economy, emphasising the need for a modern, research-driven, and financially inclusive approach. “Our farmers are the foundation of our rural economy. We must support them with timely credit, advanced technology, and scientific guidance so they can increase productivity and shift toward high-value crops.”
The CM called for enhanced collaboration between the government, research institutions, and universities to introduce new seed varieties, improve soil health, and promote precision agriculture. “Agriculture cannot progress without research. From seeds to soil to water management, every step must be informed by science. I want our research institutions to work closely with farmers and deliver solutions that reach the fields.”
He stressed the importance of modern practices like drip irrigation, water efficiency, mechanisation, and digital monitoring to maximise output.
The meeting discussed the necessity of shifting cropping patterns as traditional ones are no longer sustainable under current conditions. The Chief Minister said, “Sindh must adopt smarter cropping patterns - those that conserve water, increase yields, and ensure profitability. We must move from conventional practices to climate-resilient, market-oriented crops.”
The Sindh Bank team outlined measures to improve farmers’ access to affordable credit, especially small growers facing liquidity constraints. The CM directed the bank and the Agriculture Department to simplify loan procedures and expand support in underserved rural areas. “Financial inclusion is the key to empowering small farmers. Every eligible grower must have access to fair and timely credit to invest in better seeds, fertilisers, and technology,” he stated.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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