CHARSADDA: Farmers in Sholgara area have expressed deep concern over a shortage of irrigation water, saying their standing crops including sugarcane are beginning to dry up and agricultural land is at risk of becoming barren.

The issue was raised by a delegation of farmers from Sholgara area, led by Jamaat-i-Islami PK-65 emir Naveed Khan, during a meeting with assistant commissioner Charsadda Waqasur Rehman Afridi.

The delegation apprised the assistant commissioner of the difficulties being faced by farmers due to non-availability of irrigation water in agricultural areas of Sholgara.

They also expressed concern over alleged encroachments along canals and streams, as well as shortages and limited availability of urea, other fertilisers, agricultural medicines and other essential inputs required for cultivation.

Mr Khan said farmers were the backbone of the country’s economy and food security and warned that continued shortage of irrigation water could cause substantial financial losses to growers besides affecting agricultural production.

He urged the district administration and relevant departments to take immediate measures to restore the supply of irrigation water to the affected agricultural areas.

They also called upon the agriculture department to ensure availability of urea and other fertilisers, pesticides and agricultural inputs at official or notified rates and facilitate farmers facing shortages.

Mr Afridi assured the delegation that a joint meeting of all stakeholders including officials of the irrigation and agriculture departments would be held on Monday, October 5, to examine the issues and to devise practical measures for their resolution.

Published in Dawn, October 2nd, 2026