HYDERABAD: Climate change, water scarcity, floods, droughts and growing pressure on groundwater resources are posing major challenges to rural communities, agriculture and food security in Pakistan, particularly in climate-vulnerable regions including Sindh, said Prof Dr Muhammad Ismail Kumbhar of Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam, while addressing an international conference in Türkiye on Friday.
Prof Kumbhar was speaking at the International Conference on Sustainable Water Management: Science, Policy and Practice (ICOSUWAM-2026) held at DicleA University, Diyarbakir, Türkiye, where he presented his research paper titled “Climate Change, Water Scarcity and Rural Resilience in Pakistan: Evidence of Floods, Droughts and Groundwater Stress.”
He said Pakistan needed to strengthen sustainable and science-based water management, research and effective policy frameworks to enhance the resilience of rural communities facing the growing impacts of climate change and water stress.
Prof Kumbhar also chaired a technical session on Climate Change, Water Scarcity, River Management and Water Resources Management and participated as a speaker in Panel D on Sustainable Water Management. The panel brought together experts from several countries, including Jeff Camkin of the University of Western Australia, Dr Bahadir Boz of Temel-Su International Engineering Services, Uzbekistan, Dr Ulrike Gayh of Water Technology Heidelberg University, Germany, Dr A. Halim Orta of Tekirdag Namik Kemal University, Türkiye, and Mehmet Serifoglu, General Director of Diyarbakir Water and Sewerage Administration.
Presenting his research, Prof Kumbhar highlighted the interlinked challenges of climate change, economic pressures, water scarcity, floods, droughts and increasing stress on groundwater resources in Pakistan. He said water was not merely a natural resource but a fundamental foundation for agriculture, food security and sustainable economic and social development.
He stressed the need for integrated and sustainable approaches to conserve water resources, improve water-use efficiency and support vulnerable rural communities amid increasing pressure on freshwater resources caused by climate change and recurrent droughts.
The technical session also discussed growing pressure on freshwater resources, integrated water resources management, research and innovation, effective policymaking and international cooperation.
Speaking at the closing session, Prof Kumbhar said international scientific platforms provided researchers and experts with valuable opportunities to exchange knowledge and experiences and develop research collaborations to address common global challenges. He said the success of a scientific conference should not be measured only by the number of papers presented, but also by the academic collaborations developed, ideas exchanged and practical actions inspired by the event.
Prof Kumbhar appreciated Dicle University, the conference organizing committee, university administration, Faculty of Agriculture, keynote speakers, session chairs, researchers and participants for their contributions to the successful organization of the conference.
The conference also provided participants with opportunities to explore the historical and cultural heritage of Diyarbakir and observe agricultural practices in the region. Certificates were also presented to invited speakers in recognition of their academic contributions and participation in the conference.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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