Hyderabad, A collaborative project between Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has ushered in a significant transformation in the agricultural landscape of Sindh, notably enhancing the economic standing of local farmers in three districts. This initiative, part of the broader effort titled ‘Transforming Indus Basin with Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Water Management’, has successfully implemented intercropping in 22 experimental fields across Umerkot, Sanghar, and Badin districts, aiming to improve crop yields and reduce farming costs.

According to Zameen.Com, the initiative focuses on the synergy between sugarcane and wheat through intercropping, employing innovative techniques such as zero tillage and raised beds. This method is anticipated to yield higher crop output at reduced costs, enabling farmers to harvest two distinct crops from a single field. Professor Muhammad Mithal Jiskani of SAU has been instrumental in introducing modern agricultural practices to the farming community, stressing the importance of utilizing certified seeds for better crop production.

The technical know-how for this project was supplied by experts from SAU, with FAO providing necessary resources such as seeds and fertilizer to the participating farmers. Dr. Ghulam Murtaza Jamro, the project's focal person, shed light on the numerous challenges faced by the region's farmers, including economic difficulties and the impacts of climate change.

This collaboration represents a significant step forward in the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices within the Indus Basin, promising not only to enhance the livelihoods of local farmers but also to introduce a more resilient agricultural framework capable of withstanding environmental pressures.