Agriculture and climate experts joined hands to work together on agro-ecological zones in line with climate change effects on crops, changing weather pattern, soil fertility and deteriorating underground water quality.

Agriculture and climate experts joined hands to work together on agro-ecological zones in line with climate change effects on crops, changing weather pattern, soil fertility and deteriorating underground water quality. The meeting was chaired by University of Agriculture Faisalabad Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan while Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture Multan Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Asif Ali, Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi Vice Chancellor Dr Rai Niaz, Chief Executive Punjab Agriculture Research Board Dr Noorul Islam, Director General Extension Anjum Ali Bhuttar, Director General Ayub Research Dr Abid Mehmood, DG On Farm Water Management Malik Muhammad Akram, Dr Azmat Hayat and Dr Dildar Kazmi from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, Director General Pest Warning Dr Khalid Mehmood, EDO Agriculture Abdul Hameed, and other notables also attended the meeting. The meeting also decided to analyze the climate data of every ten kilometer for the last ten years. Chairing the meeting, UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said that the agriculture sector was facing the severe challenge owing to climate changes as the sector productivity is decreasing. He was of the view that collaborative work will come up with viable solutions in the shape of recommendation on agro zone that will boost up the agriculture. He showed his concern that rainfall volatility, increased drought and rising temperatures affect crop yields. He said that floriculture in the country was untapped area for which we have to take measures. He said that the government was setting up Horticulture Institute in Lahore that will bring hallmark results. Dr Asif Ali said that tangible researches on factors disturbing the agricultural sector need to be carried out for ensuring the food in the country. He said that we have to develop the varieties keeping in view the changing climate as agro zones were changing. If we could not take the measures to fight the challenges, the issue of food insecurity would deepen. Dr Rai Niaz said that ground water quality is deteriorating that is marring agriculture productivity. He was of the view that stepped up efforts were needed to address the issue at the national level. He said that the work on the agro zone would be helpful to address the problems of the farming level and to ensure the food security in the country. Director Extension Dr Anjum Ali Bhuttar said that eight agro ecological zones in the country were having good profile. He apprised the meeting about eight zones and changes occurring there. Dr Abid Mehmood said that new climate tolerant varieties will help address the problem of climate changes. He said that due to climate changes, even the crop areas are changing. He said that we have to work together to address the issue at massive level.