Sindh faces critical water shortages impacting agriculture as new water policy develops

Sindh, which makes up 18% of Pakistan's land and 16% of its cultivable area, faces severe water shortages affecting its agriculture, a key part of its economy. A new multisectoral water policy was approved last year, and a water plan is currently being developed. The province has seen a rise in water-intensive crop cultivation, with rice, cotton, and sugarcane increasing significantly from 2002 to 2021. This has led to unsustainable water consumption, further straining the already limited water resources. Challenges include water mismanagement, salinity, and waterlogging, which have reduced soil productivity. Experts suggest adopting modern irrigation methods and improving water management to enhance agricultural output and address the ongoing crisis.