ISLAMABAD, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Romina Khurshid Alam, coordinator to the Pakistani prime minister on climate change and environmental coordination, has said the country would adopt sustainable agricultural practices to ensure food security amid climate change challenges.
Climate change adversely affects food security, and sustainable agriculture through interconnected mechanisms is vital for global food security and the well-being of populations, the official said in her message on World Food Day celebrated on Wednesday.
Emphasizing the critical need for climate-resilient farming, Alam said that Pakistan, being one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, faced severe impacts from extreme weather events like floods and heat waves, which threatened agricultural productivity and food security.
She added that increased temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events jeopardize agricultural productivity, leading to higher food prices and increased vulnerability for low-income communities.
Innovative strategies, such as crop rotation and drought-resistant varieties, enhance resilience against climate variability and contribute to carbon sequestration, the official said while stressing the importance of community engagement.
"Empowering local communities through education on sustainable practices strengthens local food systems and reduces dependence on external markets," she said, adding that diverse cropping systems can enhance ecological performance, soil health, and biodiversity, ultimately playing a critical role in achieving food security. ■