KARACHI, Dec 12 (APP): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Friday stressed the need to gradually shift the province’s cropping patterns to suit climate realities, water availability and market demand. He noted that traditional practices are increasingly unsustainable due to water scarcity, soil degradation, and changing weather conditions.

He was presiding over an agriculture department meeting at CM House. The meeting was attended by Minister of Agriculture Muhammad Bux Khan Mahar, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Secretary to CM Raheem Shaikh, Secretary Agriculture Zaman Narejo, the President/CEO of Sindh Bank, and Deputy CEO Asad Shah. They reviewed the ongoing initiatives and future strategies to strengthen Sindh’s agricultural sector.

The chief minister described agriculture as the backbone of Sindh’s economy, emphasizing the need for a modern, research-driven, and financially inclusive approach. “Our farmers are the foundation of our rural economy. We must support them with timely credit, advanced technology, and scientific guidance so they can increase productivity and shift toward high-value crops,” he said.

The CM called for enhanced collaboration between the government, research institutions, and universities to introduce new seed varieties, improve soil health, and promote precision agriculture. “Agriculture cannot progress without research. From seeds to soil to water management, every step must be informed by science. I want our research institutions to work closely with farmers and deliver solutions that reach the fields,” he said.

He stressed the importance of modern practices like drip irrigation, water efficiency, mechanization, and digital monitoring to maximize output.

The meeting discussed the necessity of shifting cropping patterns as traditional ones are no longer sustainable under current conditions. The Chief Minister said, “Sindh must adopt smarter cropping patterns – those that conserve water, increase yields, and ensure profitability. We must move from conventional practices to climate-resilient, market-oriented crops.”

The Sindh Bank team outlined measures to improve farmers’ access to affordable credit, especially small growers facing liquidity constraints. The CM directed the bank and the Agriculture Department to simplify loan procedures and expand support in underserved rural areas. “Financial inclusion is key to empowering small farmers. Every eligible grower must have access to fair and timely credit to invest in better seeds, fertilizers, and technology,” he stated.

The meeting also reviewed mechanisms for distributing subsidies and assistance. The Chief Minister stressed transparency, accuracy, and timely support for those most in need. “Every rupee we allocate for farmers must reach them directly,” he directed.

Shah reaffirmed the government’s determination to uplift farming communities and build a resilient agricultural economy. “Our goal is clear -a prosperous, modern agricultural sector that supports farmers, enhances food security, and drives rural development. Together, we can transform Sindh’s agriculture for the future,” he declared.