Introduction:
Nestled in the captivating landscapes of Chitral, an economy deeply rooted in agriculture faces an ominous threat – changing climate patterns. Traditional crops and fruit trees are withering away, succumbing to the harmful impacts of excessive chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The once-thriving biodiversity is on the verge of collapse, disrupting the delicate balance of life. As bird categories vanish due to the reckless use of poisons, a perilous gap emerges in the life chain, leading to a surge in fatal diseases and mortality rates among the population.
Challenges in Agriculture: The expansive cultivation of high-yielding potatoes, devoid of essential crop rotation, is contributing to the destruction of soil fertility. The soil, now prone to erosion and fertility loss, undergoes a desperate attempt at rejuvenation through heavy doses of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, paving the way for irreversible soil degradation.
Famous fruit trees of Chitral, cherished for generations, are also succumbing to warmer climates and relentless insect attacks. The once-enduring Mulberry fruit now faces insect invasions merely two months into its ripening period, mirroring the plight of apricots, the region's second most beloved fruit. Cultural treasures like Walnut trees face the brunt of development projects, losing their leaves prematurely and, in many cases, becoming firewood. In the quest for quick yields of potatoes, land-scarce areas witness the ruthless clearing of trees, including fruit-bearing ones.
The havoc wrought by climate change and ignorance about the importance of crop rotation has reached alarming proportions, necessitating urgent measures to arrest the drift. In the paragraphs that follow, I recommend embracing climate-smart agricultural (CSA) practices for a seamless transition from traditional to climate-compliant agriculture.
1. Composting for Soil Health: Embarking on the journey towards sustainability, composting emerges as a cornerstone. All domestic waste, excluding plastic, can be stored and blended with animal dung, creating a natural manure. This can be used independently or as a supplement to expensive chemical fertilizers, which often exceed the market value of the product. Embracing organic pesticides, derived from solutions of red chili and garlic, proves to be an effective alternative. Progressive organic farmers achieve success by spraying pressured pipe water infused with these solutions, simultaneously providing free feed to chickens and protecting crops from pests.
2. Stubble and Mulch Management: Allowing stubble and mulch to decompose after harvesting is essential. The prevailing practice of grazing cows on this organic material should cease, as these are valuable resources that replenish soil fertility. Reflecting on the smog crisis caused by burning stubble in Punjab, it becomes evident that stubble and mulch are valuable products that should be returned to the soil to conserve its fertility. Failure to reverse present practices could result in bequeathing barren farming lands to future generations.
3. Accessing Climate-Resilient Crops: Paving the way for a climate-compliant future involves accessing heat-resistant and climate-compliant crop seeds and plants. Areas grappling with water scarcity should adopt crops and plant varieties with lower water requirements. Consideration of drip and sprinkle irrigation methods, alongside the terracing of farms, can produce more with less water. Regions with water surplus, especially those with surface water in proximity, should adopt crops and plants that require more water. The age-old practice of growing every variety to be self-sufficient is no longer necessary. Barter trade or cash transactions can always provide the needed goods. Terracing, crucial for uneven and sloped lands, is particularly essential in Chitral, where many communities reside in mountainous areas.
4. Planting for a Sustainable Future: Chitralis must embark on a significant initiative of planting fruit, construction, and firewood trees. Beyond the economic benefits, these trees contribute to the physical ambiance for tourists, generate oxygen, and improve income streams. Chitral, with its ideal conditions, incurs no input costs for these products. Furthermore, plants store water in their roots and leaves, enhancing air precipitation and subsoil water conservation. This returns to us in the form of natural springs or wells. Plantations also play a pivotal role in preventing land erosion and sliding. The reduction of destruction caused by flash floods is possible by curbing soil erosion accompanying water flow. Increased precipitation, facilitated by trees, has a cooling effect, preventing the melting of glaciers that sustain life in Chitral's mountain communities.
These tasks, monumental in scale, cannot be shouldered by the government alone. NGOs must take the lead by partnering with local communities, creating awareness, and generating funds for a seamless transition to a climate-compliant era.
Author: Islamuddin, 25 Dec 2023
Posts
0 Comments