HYDERABAD: Agricultural experts have advised farmers to adopt modern technology to sustain and boost farm productivity, observing that traditional practices hinder significant agricultural growth while exposing the country to climate change and other vulnerabilities.

They were speaking at a seminar on climate challenges held in Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam on Wednesday.

They urged the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), provincial research bodies and farmers’ organisations to play an active role in equipping farmers with essential skills and tools for climate resilience and agricultural advancement.

University Vice Chancellor Dr Fateh Marri said climate change was having impacts on the agricultural sector evidently, requiring farmers to empower themselves to quickly adapt to those changes. “Farmers are the backbone of agriculture and by training them through the Farmer Field Schools (FFS), we can help them face climate challenges to drive sustainable growth,” he stated.

He said that while global agricultural productivity reached 100pc, Pakistan stood at 60pc, underlining a significant opportunity to enhance both economic resilience and farmer welfare. That gap highlighted need for agricultural development through co-creation where farmers, scientists, and institutions collaborated to drive innovation, he said.

Speaking from Rome via video link, Ms Anne-Sophie Poisot, global head of the FFS at the FAO, outlined food organisation’s ambitious target of reaching 40 million farmers by 2040.

She explained that digital technology was a critical tool for modernising the FFS programmes, allowing farmers to make independent, innovative decisions.

FAO Sindh head James Robert Okoth underscored the importance of sustainability and inclusivity within the FFS programmes to counter effects of rapidly-changing weather.

He lauded SAU’s role in transforming farmers from passive recipients to proactive participants in the agricultural development.

Sindh Abadgar Board vice president Syed Nadeem Shah praised the SAU’s efforts for farmers through expert support and student involvement, calling it a vital step towards a climate-smart future for Sindh.

Presentations were also given at the seminar. Poster exhibitions and discussions were held.

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2024