Food and water: No sustainable future can be secured without urgent action: PDP

KARACHI: Rising food insecurity and worsening water scarcity present one of the most serious long-term challenges facing Pakistan, said Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor here Sunday.

While economic stability and national security rightly remain central concerns, it is increasingly evident that no sustainable national future can be secured without urgent action on food and water, he said.

A nation of Pakistan’s size and agricultural potential should not face recurring concerns over food inflation, water stress, declining agricultural productivity, and pressure on vulnerable communities. Yet these risks are growing and demand strategic national attention, he said.

Altaf Shakoor said food security is no longer merely an agricultural issue; it is an economic, social and national stability issue. Persistent food inflation has increased pressure on ordinary citizens, while climate stress, inefficient farming methods, shrinking water availability and post-harvest losses continue to affect agricultural output.

At the same time, Pakistan is among the countries facing severe water stress. Per capita water availability has declined sharply over the decades, while groundwater depletion, inefficient irrigation practices, and inadequate storage capacity have compounded the problem. A country whose economy has deep agricultural roots cannot afford complacency on water, he warned.

To tackle the issue he suggested working on water efficiency in agriculture. He said agriculture consumes the overwhelming share of freshwater resources, yet much irrigation still relies on inefficient methods. Large-scale promotion of drip irrigation, sprinkler systems, laser land levelling, and improved canal management can dramatically improve water productivity. “Every drop saved is additional food security.”

He suggested going for a climate-resilient and saline agriculture. He said changing weather patterns require new approaches. Drought-resistant seeds, saline-tolerant crops, precision agriculture and better extension services can help protect yields while making use of marginal lands.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026