JAVED KHAN MOHMAND
PESHAWAR
The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) will introduce advanced Flex Tower technology in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to monitor greenhouse gas emissions and environmental conditions in agricultural fields as part of efforts to promote climate-smart farming and improve water resource management.
The initiative came under discussion during a meeting between the Adviser to the Chief Minister on Agriculture Mian Muhammad Umar and an IWMI delegation led by KP team leader engineer Kifayatullah, according to an official statement issued here on Friday.
Director General Crop Reporting Mian Altaf Shah and Planning Officer Nisar Muhammad also attended the meeting.
The statement said the participants reviewed cooperation between the agriculture department, IWMI and the irrigation department under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting modern agricultural technologies, improving water resource management and strengthening climate resilience.
It stated that the officials informed the meeting that work was under way on groundwater and surface water monitoring, soil moisture measurement through sensors and the introduction of irrigation systems based on crop water requirements.
The IWMI delegation said the organisation was introducing the latest Flex Tower technology in the province to accurately monitor greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural land and crops, including carbon dioxide and methane, as well as environmental indicators such as temperature, humidity and water vapour.
The data generated by the system will support agricultural planning and the efficient use of water and other resources.
The meeting was also informed that tube wells across the province were being geotagged, while modern water monitoring systems were being introduced in all districts.
The delegation said IWMI was supporting several projects in KP focusing on weather monitoring, the development of rain-fed agriculture, water conservation and the promotion of modern farming practices.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Umar said the provincial government was committed to modernising the agriculture sector through the adoption of advanced technologies, efficient water management and measures to mitigate the impact of climate change.
He said the use of modern technology would help enhance farmers’ capacity, increase agricultural productivity and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources.
The adviser appreciated IWMI’s cooperation and expressed the government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration to provide farmers across the province with modern agricultural technologies and improved support services.
