SAU organises policy dialogue on agriculture development
SAU organises policy dialogue on agriculture development The Nation
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Sustainable Use of Resources and Modern Agriculture to Tackle Food Crisis
Agricultural and educational experts, scientists, and social reformers in Pakistan have highlighted the importance of sustainable resource use and the adoption of modern agricultural practices to address the potential food crisis in the future. They have also emphasized the need for policymakers to focus on cultivating the 62 percent of arid land resources in the country and implementing legislation for reducing pesticide use in crops. These discussions took place during the “Policy Dialogue on Reduction of Pesticides in Pakistan under Plant Wise Plus Programme,” organized by Sindh Agriculture University in collaboration with the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI).
Role of Policy Makers
Dr. Fateh Marri, Vice Chancellor of Sindh Agriculture University, stated that the mineral reserves in Pakistan are significantly more valuable than those of major high-tech companies worldwide. He emphasized the potential for promoting modern and organic agriculture in the country’s deserted agricultural areas through the adoption of modern crop production methods instead of traditional canal agriculture. Dr. Marri also highlighted the willingness of international organizations to invest in Pakistani agriculture, which can create opportunities for urban, arid, and precision agriculture. He suggested promoting a green supply chain by restricting the use of pesticides.
Addressing Population Growth and Climate Change
Dr. Babar Ehsan Bajwa, Senior Regional Director for Asia at CABI Pakistan Office, emphasized the need for research collaboration with experts to address the challenges posed by population growth and climate change. He stated that Pakistan’s population is projected to reach 338 million by 2050, and the negative effects of climate change could lead to food shortages. Dr. Bajwa highlighted the importance of preventing climate change and the spread of invasive pests and diseases through research and expert involvement.
Plant Wise Plus Programme
Dr. Muhammad Tariq Khan, Director of the Pesticide Reduction Programme, presented the Plant Wise Plus programme launched by CABI in Pakistan. The program aims to improve food security in the country through the implementation of more sustainable methods of food production. Dr. Khan emphasized the need to reduce crop losses among small farmers, as a significant portion of produce is lost before reaching consumers. Pesticides also act as a barrier to accessing global markets for agricultural products.
Participants and Experts
The event was attended by experts and scientists from various institutions including Sindh Agriculture University, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Mehran University Jamshoro, Pakistan Agriculture Research Council, Agriculture Research Sindh, Agriculture Irrigation, and Agricultural Extension. The participants included Dean Dr. Aijaz Ali Khoharo, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ismail Kumbhar, Dr. Abdul Mubeen Lodhi, Dr. Saleem Ashraf, Dr. Naeem Aslam, Dr. Zeeshan Ali, Dr. Liaquat Bhutto, Dr. Tauqeer Shaikh, Dr. Asmatullah, Muhammad Idrees Rind, Ali Nawaz Chana, Muhammad Ayaz, Dr. Imran Khatri, Dr. Ghulam Qadir, and Dr. Rizwan Ali.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The article discusses the need for sustainable use of resources and modern agriculture practices to tackle future food crises. It also highlights the importance of reducing pesticide use and promoting organic agriculture. These issues align with SDG 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. Additionally, the article mentions the negative effects of climate change and the need to prevent its impact on food shortages, which relates to SDG 13. The focus on reducing pesticide use and promoting organic agriculture connects with SDG 12, which promotes responsible consumption and production. Finally, the emphasis on utilizing arid land resources for agriculture aligns with SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production.
- SDG 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
- SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
- SDG 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought, and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.
Based on the article, the targets mentioned above can be identified. These targets focus on sustainable food production systems, resilient agricultural practices, environmentally sound management of chemicals, climate resilience, and combating desertification.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 2.4: Adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, such as organic farming and modern crop production methods.
- Indicator for SDG 12.4: Reduction in pesticide use and implementation of environmentally friendly pest control methods.
- Indicator for SDG 13.1: Implementation of climate change adaptation strategies in agriculture.
- Indicator for SDG 15.3: Increase in the percentage of arid land utilized for sustainable agriculture.
The article implies the need for these indicators to measure progress towards the identified targets. The adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, reduction in pesticide use, implementation of climate change adaptation strategies, and utilization of arid land for agriculture can serve as indicators to track progress.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production. | Adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, such as organic farming and modern crop production methods. |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. | Reduction in pesticide use and implementation of environmentally friendly pest control methods. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | Implementation of climate change adaptation strategies in agriculture. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought, and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world. | Increase in the percentage of arid land utilized for sustainable agriculture. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: nation.com.pk
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