LAHORE, Jun 17 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday underscored the importance of agricultural research and the adoption of modern technology to combat desertification and drought. She said the Punjab government was committed to environmental protection, land restoration and water conservation. In her message on the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, the CM said the day was observed to raise awareness about land degradation, declining soil …
CM Maryam calls for modern technology to combat desertification and drought
LAHORE, Jun 17 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday underscored the importance of agricultural research and the adoption of modern technology to combat desertification and drought.
She said the Punjab government was committed to environmental protection, land restoration and water conservation.
In her message on the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, the CM said the day was observed to raise awareness about land degradation, declining soil fertility and the severe impacts of drought on communities and economies.
She said the Punjab government was taking practical measures to address drought through improved agricultural practices, efficient water management and climate change mitigation efforts. She added that small dams and ponds were being constructed across the province to increase water storage capacity and ensure sustainable use of water resources.
CM Maryam Nawaz said special funds had been allocated to convert barren lands into cultivable areas in regions such as Cholistan and Thal. She added that tree plantation campaigns in desert areas and the promotion of crops, including olives, were also being pursued to enhance environmental sustainability and agricultural productivity.
The CM termed drought a major threat to agriculture and food security, stressing that afforestation was essential to curb environmental pollution and transform barren lands into green landscapes.
She said state-of-the-art equipment, including thermal sensors, was being utilised for forest protection and wildlife monitoring. She added that international cooperation was indispensable for restoring degraded lands and addressing the growing challenges posed by water scarcity.
Highlighting the impact of climate change, Maryam Nawaz observed that fertile lands around the world were turning into deserts due to environmental degradation and human activities. She said that under the Punjab Resilient and Inclusive Agriculture Transformation (PRIAT) programme, the government was improving water conveyance systems and installing new solar-powered High Efficiency Irrigation Systems (HEIS) to promote sustainable agriculture and water conservation.
