9th National Farmers' Convention Begins At Pakistan Academy Of Rural Development

A three-day 9th national farmers convention on 'Self Sufficiency in Food through better Water Management' began at Pakistan Academy of Rural Development PARD here on Tuesday.

PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Dec, 2018 ) :A three-day 9th national farmers convention on 'Self Sufficiency in Food through better Water Management' began at Pakistan academy of Rural Development PARD here on Tuesday.

More than 200 farmers, from across the country, participated in the convention where experts highlighted different problems confronted to agricultural farming, food security, irrigation system, utilization of water, research and its impact on overall agriculture growth.

Issues pertaining to climate change, global warming and mismanagement of water also came under discussion.

The convention was addressed by Director General PARD, Nighat Mehroz, Founder Chairman Rural Development Union Faisalabad, Nazir Ahmed Watto, farmers leaders and others.

In her key note address, Director General PARD, Nighat Mehroz said water was an important commodity necessary for survival of humans, animals and extra care was required in its use.

She said use of water resources should be done strictly on scientific measurement, mathematics and accurate estimates.

"Farmers should concentrate on crops and plantation of trees' saplings consume less water besides suitable for our country's climate to reduce burden on water resources," she suggested.

As per National Policy for Food Security 2018, she said about 45perc population in rural areas, 58pc in erstwhile Fata, 52 pc in Balochistan and 51pc in Gilgit Baltistan are facing shortage and imbalances in food.

In several areas, water table has decreased at alarming level due to an excessive use and wastage of water and feared drought in these localities due to climate change situation if mismanagement of water continues.

To address these challenges, different agriculture research institutes including NIFA, Pir Sabaq Research Institute, Livestock and Dairy Development Department, Agriculture Development Program besides would provide direct professional consultation and services to farmers besides enhanced capacity of farmers.

During convention, an agriculture exhibition comprising modern technology was also organized where around 35 agriculture departments and its attached organizations has setup their stalls. Later, the participants were also given detailed visits to different agriculture departments and fields on this occasion.