HYDERABAD: Researchers and academicians speaking at the launch of a book on Sindh’s agriculture sector and its issues on Tuesday proposed legislation to declare the province’s arid regions ‘organic zones’.

They called for promotion of ‘five-coloured agriculture’ concept to combat the issue of malnutrition.

The book is authored by agriculture scientist Mustafa Nangraj. The event also featured a plantation campaign for nutritional plants aligned with the five-coloured farming.

In his speech, Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Vice Chancellor Dr Fateh Marri underscored the importance of organic agriculture in Sindh’s arid region stretched over Tharparkar, Kachho, Kohistan, and Achhro Thar.

Scientist Mustafa Nangraj introduces ‘five-coloured agriculture’ to combat malnutrition issue

He said that for the past 125 years, 50pc of Sindh’s land relied on irrigation. He called for legislation to declare these areas ‘organic zones’.

He noted that scientist Nangraj’s ‘five-coloured agriculture’ concept could significantly address malnutrition, particularly among women and children.

The VC stated that each agriculture extension officer was currently serving 7,000 farmers, making digital and communication tools crucial for effective farmer advisory support. He said that despite being an agricultural country, Pakistan was importing salad for its five-star hotels. He said that 65pc of Thar’s agricultural products were organic and chemical-free, and stressed the need for processing, marketing and promoting hydroponic and urban agriculture.

Nangraj elaborated on agricultural practices and techniques discussed in book. He said that the ‘five-coloured agriculture’ concept garnered national and international recognition, especially for its potential to prevent malnutrition and improve people’s health.

Nangraj told the audience that he had also developed an integrated ‘ICT Agricultural Extension Services Approach’ to bridge the gap between the farming community and service providers. “This approach is easy to use and economical to adapt, and is being implemented by the Agriculture Extension, Sindh”.

He advocated for limiting chemical fertilisers and boosting soil fertility through nano-fertilisers, urging strong advisory services for farmers to ensure agricultural development. He observed that traditional agricultural produce often failed to meet nutritional needs, whereas the five-Coloured Agriculture offered a sustainable solution.

Prof Dr Abdullah Arijo lauded the book as a significant contribution to modern agriculture and a valuable resource for academic curricula.

Dr Mohammad Ismail Kumbhar commended Nangraj’s work in research, extension and farmer support.

Prof Dr Mujahid Hussain Leghari announced plans to hold more such open-air awareness programmes at the recently renovated horticulture garden.

The event featured speeches by renowned agricultural experts, including SAU’s pro-VC Dr Jan Mohammad Marri, Dean Dr Inayatullah Rajper and Director of Agricultural Research Institute Imdad Sohu.

The ceremony concluded with a plantation drive in the horticulture garden, featuring plants associated with the Five-Coloured Agriculture concept.

Published in Dawn, December 25th, 2024

Opinion

Editorial

A year later
Updated 08 Feb, 2025

A year later

A war of egos has been fought between a handful of individuals at the cost of the well-being of millions of ordinary Pakistanis.
Wheat decision
08 Feb, 2025

Wheat decision

THE federal decision to stop setting the minimum support price for wheat and cease the staple’s procurement...
Dhanmondi attack
08 Feb, 2025

Dhanmondi attack

HISTORY has shown that unless states deliver development and equal rights to all, disenfranchised people can target...
Depopulating Gaza
Updated 07 Feb, 2025

Depopulating Gaza

The least feasible "solution" is the Trumpian plan for Gaza’s ethnic cleansing and occupation, which is a non-starter.
‘Pause’ in US aid
07 Feb, 2025

‘Pause’ in US aid

THE impact of the Trump administration’s decision to ‘pause’ all US foreign aid programmes, especially those...
Mobilising opposition
07 Feb, 2025

Mobilising opposition

POLITICS makes strange bedfellows. There has not, for quite some time, been a guest list as intriguing as the one...