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Seeds of Change: navigating climate-induced challenges in farming, everyday life

10:44 AM | 21 Sep, 2023
Seeds of Change: navigating climate-induced challenges in farming, everyday life
Source: Amjad Jamal, Communications Specialist, IWMI Pakistan.

DERA ISMAIL KHAN - Climate change is a pressing global issue, impacting all living organisms and natural resources. Human life and the environment are both vulnerable to the hazards associated with anthropogenic changes. 

Pakistan is one of the top ten countries most vulnerable to climate change. The agriculture sector is a major contributor to the country's GDP, with approximately 20% of the total GDP dependent on consistent water availability.

Water supply changes affect crop yields and food production. Awareness campaigns and scientific studies should be conducted in agricultural areas. Results should be used for planning, preparedness, and adaptation measures.

The WMfEP project, which is supported by USAID and overseen by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in Pakistan, organized a seminar in the Dera Ismail Khan district. The seminar primarily addressed the impact of climate change on the Gomal Zam Dam command area, with the ultimate goal of raising awareness and encouraging informed decision-making regarding the diverse risks and impacts of climate change. The seminar specifically emphasized the correlation between climate change and agriculture.

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Muhammad Nawaz, Development Specialist and Mission Environmental Officer, USAID Pakistan said, “Climate change is now a reality. We must understand that the weather patterns are changing drastically, we are facing recurrent floods and droughts and all this is a warning sign. We need to adapt to these challenges and be resilient to the climate shocks, every bigger disaster brings in even a bigger opportunity.”

One of the goals of this seminar was to present the findings of a detailed scientific study conducted by IWMI, in a simple manner to the local audience. The seminar was attended by several institutions including but not limited to the district administration, disaster management authorities, Water and Power Development Authority, government departments (Agriculture, Irrigation), Gomal Zam Dam Command Area Development Project (GZDCADP) staff, academia, and most important of all, the farming community.

Dr Muhammad Tousif Bhatti, Researcher, IWMI/Deputy Chief of Party, WMfEP presented the findings of the scientific study. He said Pakistan regularly experiences some of the highest maximum temperatures in the world, with many regions experiencing temperatures of 38°C and above on an annual basis. When weather patterns converge to deliver prolonged periods of heatwave, serious human health impacts can emerge. Quoting the 2022 floods in the Gomal Zam Dam command area, Dr Bhatti said Gomal Zam Dam Command Area (GZDCA) received high-intensity rainfall during August 2022. The post-flood analysis of satellite images in Google Earth Engine showed that one-third of GZDCA was potentially flooded on 29 Aug 2022.

Dr. Muhammad Tousif Bhatti.
Dr. Muhammad Tousif Bhatti.

The consequences of recent climate extremes have created a crisis in the Gomal Zam Dam Command Area, which is vulnerable to climate hazards of heatwaves, heavy rainfall and agricultural drought. The predictions for the near future are alarming and call for a resilient approach. There is an urgent need to assess the adaptive capacity of GZDCA and enhance it to face future calamities in a better way.

It also provided specific planning and adaptation options to the Government Departments i.e., based on inundation maps of 2022 flood to improve flood protection and drainage infrastructure. Design of infrastructure should be based on the forecast of high-intensity rainfall events capable of triggering flood, drought-resistant seed varieties and crops should be promoted, public awareness campaigns regarding heatwaves and what to do during heatwaves, capacity assessment and enhancement of hospitals/clinics for heatstroke and livestock care during heatwaves.

The suggestions made in the study for farming communities included plantation in furrows (better drainage of flood), high-efficiency irrigation systems e.g., drip irrigation (drought), silage making (livestock feed in winter), tunnel farming (control weather) and choice of resilient seed varieties.

The study conducted by IWMI suggests that governments and local authorities need to develop policies that consider climate change impacts on water resources and integrate them into development planning. Raising awareness among communities about the importance of water conservation and sustainable practices can contribute to a more resilient water future.

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Rupee loses ground against US dollar, Euro, Pound and other currencies; Check forex rates here

Pakistani rupee continue to witness further losses against US dollar in the open market on despite positive economic indicators and massive surge in Stock Market.

Dollar Rate in Pakistan Today

On Tuesday, the dollar was being quoted at 285.1 for selling and 288.15 for buying purposes for customers.

Euro price moves down by Rs2 to 312 for buying and 315 for selling. British Pound rate stands at 358.5 for buying, and 362 for selling after increase.

UAE Dirham AED stands at 78 whereas the Saudi Riyal also witnessed fall and new price stands at 76.25.

Today's currency exchange rates in Pakistan - 28 November 2022

Currency Symbol Buying Selling
US Dollar ‎USD 285.1 288.15
Euro EUR 312 315
UK Pound Sterling GBP 358.5 362
U.A.E Dirham AED 78 78.75
Saudi Riyal SAR 76.25 77
Australian Dollar AUD 186 187.5
Bahrain Dinar BHD 759 767
Canadian Dollar CAD 208 210
China Yuan CNY 39.93 40.33
Danish Krone DKK 41.88 42.28
Hong Kong Dollar HKD 36.24 36.59
Indian Rupee INR 3.39 3.5
Japanese Yen JPY 1.55 1.63
Kuwaiti Dinar KWD 916.38 925.38
Malaysian Ringgit MYR 60.38 60.98
New Zealand Dollar NZD 173.44 175.44
Norwegians Krone NOK 26.25 26.55
Omani Riyal OMR 741.26 749.26
Qatari Riyal ‎QAR 77.63 78.33
Singapore Dollar SGD 210 212
Swedish Korona SEK 26.93 27.23
Swiss Franc CHF 323.37 325.87
Thai Bhat THB 8 8.04

Gold price in Pakistan moves up amid positive global cues; Check today gold price here

KARACHI – Gold continues to move upward in local market amid surge in international rates.

Gold Rates in Pakistan Today - 28 November 2023

On Tuesday, the single tola of 24 Karat gold was available at Rs217,600, and the price for 10-gram gold saw increase of Rs943 to reach Rs186,557.

Globally, yellow metal went up by $12 to settle at $2,015 per ounce.

Last week, per tola gold price increased by Rs800 per tola, and it hovers around two month high.

Today Gold Rate in Pakistan

City Gold Silver
Lahore PKR 217,600 PKR 2,600
Karachi PKR 217,600 PKR 2,600
Islamabad PKR 217,600 PKR 2,600
Peshawar PKR 217,600 PKR 2,600
Quetta PKR 217,600 PKR 2,600
Sialkot PKR 217,600 PKR 2,600
Attock PKR 217,600 PKR 2,600
Gujranwala PKR 217,600 PKR 2,600
Jehlum PKR 217,600 PKR 2,600
Multan PKR 217,600 PKR 2,600
Bahawalpur PKR 217,600 PKR 2,600
Gujrat PKR 217,600 PKR 2,600
Nawabshah PKR 217,600 PKR 2,600
Chakwal PKR 217,600 PKR 2,600
Hyderabad PKR 217,600 PKR 2,600
Nowshehra PKR 217,600 PKR 2,600
Sargodha PKR 217,600 PKR 2,600
Faisalabad PKR 217,600 PKR 2,600
Mirpur PKR 217,600 PKR 2,600

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