Sindh Chief Minister Orders New Cropping Strategy and K-IV Project Augmentation to Combat Water Scarcity

Karachi, Amidst growing concerns about the impact of climate change on regional water resources, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has issued directives to overhaul agricultural practices and accelerate infrastructure projects to enhance water management and agricultural efficiency.

According to Chief Minister Sindh, during a meeting held at the CM House with officials from the Irrigation and Agriculture departments, Shah outlined his strategy to introduce low delta, high-yield crops to combat the expected 30% water shortage during the Kharif season-2024. This new cropping pattern aims to reduce water usage while maintaining crop output.

The Chief Minister emphasized the urgency of this transformation in agricultural practices due to the predicted increase in water scarcity. He tasked the departments with devising a detailed plan for crop pattern changes, which would then be submitted for his approval. He also highlighted the need for the agriculture department’s research wing to activate and provide farmers with necessary guidance for adopting these new practices.

Further addressing water conservation in agriculture, Shah discussed the implementation of various methods such as drip irrigation, sprinkler systems, and dry farming. He stressed the importance of selecting the appropriate method for different regional conditions and the timely dissemination of these techniques to farmers.

Additionally, the Chief Minister reviewed the progress of the K-IV Augmentation project, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at bolstering Karachi’s water supply. The project, with a budget of Rs72 billion, received an approval of Rs14.7 billion from the provincial government, constituting a 20% share of the total cost. Shah instructed the P and D Minister Nasir Shah to expedite the acquisition of necessary approvals and consultations, including those from federal and provincial agencies required for project advancement.

The meeting underscored the state’s proactive measures to address both immediate and long-term water challenges exacerbated by climate change, aiming to secure water resources and promote sustainable agricultural practices in Sindh.