Revitalizing Agriculture in Sindh: Embracing Modern Techniques, Climate Adaptation, and Digital Resources

by Prof Dr Abdul Waheed Bhutto    1 May 2023 

Sindh, with 55 million people and significant economic contribution, suffered heavily from July-August 2022’s flash floods, with all districts declared calamity-hit except those in Karachi. Over 4.4 million acres of agriculture land were destroyed, half a million farmers affected, and roads and transport damaged, impeding mobility and access to public services.

The agriculture sector, which provides employment to 70% of the population in Sindh and is a crucial source of income, was severely affected. Nearly 37% of the rural population in Sindh lives below the poverty line, making them particularly vulnerable to natural disasters given the province’s geographical location, socioeconomic status, and climatic conditions.

Climate change is causing a decline in crop yields and productivity in Sindh province of Pakistan, which is a major agricultural producer. Extreme weather events, changing rainfall patterns, and higher temperatures are contributing to this decline. The agriculture sector and rural communities will face more frequent and intense natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and sea storms in the coming years. Higher temperatures will increase water requirements for crops and animals, making it even more challenging to maintain productivity.

There are two principal crop seasons in Sindh rabi and Kharif.  The Sindh predominantly cultivates cotton, wheat, rice, sugarcane, and various fruits like mangoes and bananas.  Rabi crops are sown in winter and harvested in spring. The main Rabi crops in Sindh is wheat while barley, gram, lentil, and mustard and vegetables like Spinach, carrot, cauliflower, Cabbage, Peas, and radish are also grown during same season. These crops require cool temperatures and are dependent on irrigation. The sowing time for Rabi crops in Sindh usually starts from November to December and harvests from April to May.

Kharif crops are sown in the rainy season and harvested in autumn. The main Kharif crops in Sindh include rice, sugarcane, cotton while maize, and bajra mung bean, and sesame and some vegetables like Tomato, Chili pepper Cabbage, Okra (Ladyfinger), Bitter gourd (Karela), Ridge gourd (Turai), Bottle gourd (Lauki), Sponge gourd (Tori), Cucumber (Kheera), Eggplant (Baingan) are also grown during same season. These crops are dependent on rainfall and require hot and humid weather conditions. The sowing time for Kharif crops in Sindh usually starts from May to July and harvests from September to November.

Sindh is also suitable for growing a variety of fruits. Some of the common fruits grown in Sindh include mangoes, bananas, dates, papayas, watermelons, and guavas. Mangoes are the most popular fruit in the region, and Sindh produces several varieties of mangoes. Bananas are also a significant crop. Dates are another important fruit in Sindh, with the Khairpur district being the largest producer.

These crops and fruits are sensitive to the amount of water they require and are also susceptible to changes in the climate specially the average ambient temperautre. The table provides information on their water intensity and climate sensitivity.

Yields in Sindh for many crops and livestock are well below potential and generally lower than in neighboring regions. More critically, economic returns to water, which is one of the major limiting factors for expansion; and to labor which is a major determinant of incomes and living standards – are low. These large yield gaps indicate the potential of raising productivity across the province by using better seed, site specific fertilizer mixes, and improved cultivation methods.

The average wheat yield per acre in Sindh was around 50 maund in 2020 while the average wheat yield per acre in Rajasthan was around 65 maund during same period. Likewise, the average rice yield per acre a in Sindh in 2019 was 30 maund, while the average rice yield per hectare in Rajasthan during same period was 40 maund. The average sugarcane yield in Sindh and Rajasthan during the 2020-2021 season was same around 25 metric tons per acre. The rice, cotton and sugarcane crops grow during same season. However, in some areas, sugarcane is planted in both seasons.

According to a report by the Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC), the agricultural sector in Sindh has the potential to significantly increase its output and contribute more to the country’s economy. The report suggests that increasing the adoption of modern farming techniques, improving irrigation systems, and providing greater support for research and development could help to achieve this potential.

India has made significant investments in improving agricultural practices, including the use of high-yielding varieties of seeds, better irrigation facilities, and improved farming techniques.

The Indian government has implemented several policies and programs to support farmers, including subsidies for inputs like fertilizers and seeds, price support schemes, and crop insurance programs. These initiatives have helped farmers to adopt better farming practices and invest in higher-yielding crop varieties.

Currently, farmers in Sindh, Pakistan prefer growing sugarcane and rice over cotton due to their profitability. Rice earns farmers higher profits due to its higher market price, lower production costs, and lower input requirements. Rice is also a better fit for the soil conditions in Sindh, which are heavy, saline, and alkaline, making cotton cultivation difficult.

Meanwhile, the shift towards sugarcane farming is due to declining cotton yields, pest attacks, low prices, and inadequate government support. Sugarcane is perceived as a more profitable crop due to higher yields and guaranteed government support through fixed prices and subsidies. Additionally, sugarcane is more resilient to climate change impacts, such as flooding, as it can survive for up to two months in standing water. Cotton and rice, on the other hand, are more vulnerable to flooding and may be completely destroyed.

However, both rice and sugarcane require large amounts of water and agricultural compared to cotton and experts are concerns about the depletion of groundwater resources due to sugarcane’s high-water requirements, and the impact on soil health. Additionally, farmers have raised complaints of exploitation and unfair practices by sugarcane buyers due to the dominance of sugar mills and lack of competition. There is a need for more diversified and sustainable farming practices that take into account the environmental and social impact of growing crops like sugarcane.

To address this issue of climate changes and change pattern of monsoon, there is an urgent need for farmers to shift to crop varieties that are resistant to water scarcity and can withstand the climate severities. These varieties can help reduce the water consumption of crops and improve productivity in the long run. Nuclear Institute of Agriculture in Tando Jam, Sindh has developed successful seed varieties such as disease-resistant wheat variety “NIA-2011” and drought-tolerant rice variety “NIA-111”. These varieties have been widely adopted by farmers in Sindh and other parts of Pakistan, contributing to increased wheat production and improved cultivation in water-limited environments.

Alternatively, farmers can also consider shifting to other crops that are less water-intensive and have better yields. There are several climate-resistant crops that are suitable for hot weather conditions in Pakistan. Some of the most common ones include:

Sunflowers: Sunflowers are a relatively new crop in Sindh, but they have shown promise in terms of high yields and low water requirements. Sunflower oil is also in high demand, making it a potentially profitable crop for farmers.

Millet: Millets are a group of small-seeded grasses that are drought-tolerant and can grow in hot and arid conditions. They are a good source of protein and are used for food and fodder.

Sorghum: Sorghum is a cereal crop that is grown for its grains, which can be used for food, animal feed, and ethanol production. It is a drought-tolerant crop that can withstand high temperatures and low rainfall.

Mung bean: Mung bean is a legume that is commonly grown in hot and dry regions. It is a short-duration crop that can be harvested within 60-70 days and can provide good yields even under limited water availability.

Okra: Okra is a vegetable crop that is well-suited to hot weather conditions. It is a drought-tolerant crop that can withstand high temperatures and is a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.

Guar: Guar is a legume crop that is drought-tolerant and can grow in hot and arid conditions. It is commonly used as a thickening agent in food and industrial products.

Vegetables: Growing vegetables is a great option for farmers looking to diversify their income sources and reduce their water usage. Vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers can be grown with less water than traditional crops, and they have a high market value.

Canola: Canola is a relatively new crop in Sindh, but it has the potential to become a significant source of edible oil. Canola oil is low in saturated fat and has a neutral taste, making it suitable for a wide range of cooking applications.

Sesame: Sesame is a drought-tolerant crop that can be grown in areas with low rainfall. Sesame oil is widely used in cooking and is also used in the production of cosmetics, lubricants, and pharmaceuticals.

Overall sunflower, canola, and sesame are highly feasible crops for edible oil production in Sindh due to their suitability to the local climate and the market demand for their oils. The Pakistan’s annual requirement for edible oil is around 4.1 MMT. In 2021, Pakistan produced only 11 percent of edible oil required for domestic consumption, and the rest of 89 percent was imported. These crops have been traditionally grown in Pakistan and have evolved to survive in the harsh weather conditions of the region. By promoting the cultivation of these crops, farmers can adopt more climate-resilient practices that can help them adapt to the changing climate and improve their livelihoods.

Adopting sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices can bring about a positive shift in the province by reducing poverty and inequality through improved agricultural productivity and better crop adaptation to climate change. This transition can also contribute to decreasing the country’s reliance on imports.

Although both federal as well as provincial government of Sindh has taken various initiatives and programs to boost agricultural yield and support farmers, some of initiatives include:

Crop insurance: Prime Minister’s Crop Insurance Scheme (PM-CIS), which provides financial support to farmers in case of crop losses due to natural disasters. This scheme covers all major crops, including wheat, rice, sugarcane, cotton, and maize.

Crop insurance schemes offered by private insurance companies and microfinance institutions in Sindh aim to provide financial protection to farmers in case of crop damage or loss due to natural disasters or other unforeseen circumstances.

Seed distribution: The government distributes high-quality seeds to farmers at subsidized rates to ensure that they have access to good quality seeds that can produce higher yields.

Training and education: The government provides training and education programs to farmers to improve their knowledge and skills related to modern farming practices, such as crop management, soil health, and irrigation techniques.

Farm-to-market roads: The government is investing in the construction of farm-to-market roads to improve the transportation of agricultural products from farms to markets. This helps farmers to sell their products at higher prices and reduces the cost of transportation.

Irrigation infrastructure: The government is investing in the construction and maintenance of irrigation infrastructure, such as canals and water channels, to ensure that farmers have access to water for their crops.

the impact of these measures has been limited due to factors such as low awareness among farmers about these initiatives, negative media coverage, and the government’s perceived corruption. These factors have hindered the effectiveness of the government’s policies and programs aimed at the betterment of agriculture in the region.

Weather information dissemination in Pakistan has improved in recent years, with the government and private companies investing in new technologies and expanding their networks of weather stations. However, there may still be challenges in disseminating information to all parts of the country, particularly in remote and rural areas. There are several other mobile apps available for up-to-date weather information in Pakistan. These apps can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Khushaal Zamindar is a mobile application launched by Telenor Pakistan that aims to support farmers in Pakistan by providing them with information on crop prices, weather updates, farming techniques, and other useful tips. The app also offers a feature that allows farmers to connect with experts for advice and assistance.

With the help of this app, farmers can make informed decisions about their crops and increase their productivity and profitability. The app is user-friendly and available in multiple languages, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Pakissan: This is an app that provides farmers with information on weather updates, market prices, agricultural news, and government policies related to agriculture.

AgriApp: This app provides farmers with information on crop diseases, fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation techniques, and allows them to connect with experts for advice and assistance.

Farmer’s Friend: This app provides farmers with information on market prices, weather updates, and farming techniques, and allows them to connect with other farmers to share their experiences and knowledge.

AgriBolo: This app provides farmers with information on crop prices, weather updates, and farming techniques, and allows them to connect with experts for advice and assistance.

There are several mobile applications available in Pakistan that allow farmers to sell their agricultural products. Some of these apps are:

MandiExpress: This is a platform that allows farmers to sell their products directly to consumers without any middlemen. The app provides farmers with access to a large customer base, and consumers with access to fresh produce at competitive prices.

AgriMart: This is an online marketplace that connects farmers with buyers, providing them with a platform to sell their products directly to consumers or businesses.

Sastaticket: This is a platform that allows farmers to sell their products online, providing them with a wider customer base and access to competitive prices.

Kisaan Helpline: This app allows farmers to connect with potential buyers directly, eliminating the need for middlemen and ensuring that they receive fair prices for their products.

These apps provide farmers with a convenient and reliable platform to sell their products and enable consumers to access fresh produce at competitive prices, while supporting local farmers.

The awareness among farmers in Sindh about using the internet for weather information and product sales is limited. Many farmers in the region are not familiar with the use of the internet and lack the necessary skills and resources to access it. Moreover, the availability of digital infrastructure such as internet connectivity and reliable electricity supply in rural areas is also limited, which further restricts farmers’ access to the internet.

The lack of awareness and access to the internet among farmers in Sindh has resulted in limited use of online platforms for weather information and product sales. This limits their ability to make informed decisions about crop management and marketing, and also restricts their access to a wider market for their products.

To address this issue, the government of Sindh and various non-governmental organizations are working to improve digital infrastructure and provide training and resources to farmers on using the internet for weather information and product sales. However, there is still a long way to go to increase farmers’ awareness and access to these online platforms in Sindh.

In conclusion, revitalizing agriculture in Sindh requires a multi-faceted approach that embraces modern techniques, climate adaptation, and digital resources. The government needs to provide support to farmers by investing in modern irrigation systems and providing training on sustainable farming practices. Furthermore, the use of digital resources such as mobile apps and precision agriculture technologies can help increase productivity and reduce waste. Farmers need to adapt to the changing climate by diversifying crops and adopting climate-resilient varieties. With these efforts, Sindh’s agricultural sector can be revitalized, leading to increased yields, improved livelihoods, and sustainable development.