The role of space science in sustainable development and Sindh’s agriculture…

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Rahmatullah Buriro

As the world is developing faster and better in this digital era, many other problems have also arisen under the influence of this modern technology.There seems to be no end to these problems, diseases and effects.The big name of these problems and diseases is climate change. This climate change is not only a problem of developing countries, which lack resources and the ability to accelerate development is technically inferior to the modern era. This problem of climate change is also for the developed world. In this regard, developed countries have found many solutions and ways to meet their needs on a scientific basis, on a research basis and on the basis of technological facilities. The other day, I read a news that Pakistan, which is always trying to cope with the situation better and better at its regional and global levels, It is, therefore, a global conference on the topic of space science and technology in sustainable development is being organized. The main objective of which is to find ways to achieve sustainable development.Space science and satellite technology have now gained a central place in the global discussion on sustainable development. The developed countries of the world have already strengthened their economies, agriculture, water resources and disaster management by obtaining data, analysis and forecasts from space sources, but now developing countries are also rapidly moving towards this sector. The global conference to be held by SPARC on November 18, 2025, where approximately 70 representatives from 25 countries will participate, is proof that Pakistan is moving towards using space information in a more systematic manner, especially for the agricultural and water systems of Sindh.
Climate Change and Space Data: The Basis for Future Policies. Climate change has posed a major threat to the agricultural economy in Sindh, with rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns and severe reductions in river flows. Satellite data is now the most reliable tool for monitoring climate impacts, evaporation rates, soil moisture, and rivers globally. In Sindh, if space data is linked to district-level climate models, crop season, water distribution, and drought forecasts can be much more accurate. Such forecasts can not only reduce agricultural losses but also increase the chances of effective water management.
Food Security and Modern Agricultural Strategies.
Sindh’s agriculture is largely dependent on the cultivation of wheat, rice, cotton, and sugarcane, but unstable weather and water scarcity have become major threats to food security. Satellite imagery and remote sensing can provide real-time information on crop health, yield estimates, and soil change trends.A system for predicting diseases, accurate water use, and early detection of crop damage in cotton and rice fields could revolutionize both water and agriculture. According to SPARCO, real-time monitoring can improve Sindh’s agricultural production by at least 15-20 percent if data is linked to government policies.
Disaster preparedness: A critical need for Sindh
The risk of floods in Sindh has increased over the past decade. The floods of 2010 and 2022 show that the management system needs modern tools. Through satellite data:
The height of river channels
The direction of water flow
The vulnerability of river banks, the intensity and spread of floods. During the rainy season, it becomes much easier to identify vulnerable areas for protection.
If Sindh’s irrigation system is linked to Suparco for permanent data sharing, a comprehensive system for monitoring dams, cleaning canals, and water flow can be established, which will help reduce human and economic losses.
Sustainable Infrastructure and Urban Planning,
Urban centers of Sindh—Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Larkana—are growing rapidly.
Use of satellite maps in urban planning: Preventing illegal settlements
Geographical assessment of new highways, railways and housing schemes
Improvement of water and drainage linings, Karachi’s garbage dump, traffic flow and air pollution monitoring
It has become essential in matters like. Sindh’s agriculture and irrigation system, potential improvements with space technology
The irrigation system of Sindh is still largely based on traditional methods. Agricultural production is affected by broken canals, water theft, and unfair distribution. While the dilapidated condition of river bridges and barrages, the weak condition of embankments on both sides of the river can be identified with the help of space technology.
Real-time monitoring of water distribution
Measurement of agricultural lands and illegal encroachment
Analysis of water requirements of dry areas in Thar and northern Sindh
Can be made possible. This new knowledge can be used to improve Sindh’s water policies, irrigation department and agriculture department This global conference of SPARC can create new possibilities for the region. 70 representatives from 25 countries are participating in the SPARC conference to be held on November 18, 2025.
This conference will prove to be an important forum for sharing international experience with Pakistan on issues such as climate change risks, agricultural security, food security, disaster forecasting, urban planning, and equitable distribution of water. However, according to SPARC experts, this conference will help Pakistan, especially Sindh, in initiating policies, research, and new projects based on space technology. Space science is not just about accessing the moon and stars, but it has now become a fundamental tool for agriculture, water, environment, disaster prevention, and urban development. For Sindh, space data and SPARC’s modern systems can not only strengthen food security but also lead irrigation and ecological systems towards sustainable development. If space data is seriously included in policymaking, Sindh can not only face climate risks, but also make progress in future agricultural and infrastructure projects. To combat the effects of climate change, which is The budget or financing is coming, and the national government and the Sindh government officials along with the national government should make full preparations to face these situations and plan in accordance with the above requirements. So that any unforeseen situation can be faced on time. In this regard, the Sindh government’s agriculture department has formulated a strategy for better agricultural reforms and sustainable development in line with the 2018-2030 agricultural policy. In this regard, Sindh Agriculture Secretary Muhammad Zaman Narejo believes that the Sindh government is making every effort to support agriculture so that it can cope with climate change in the best possible way in this era of technology. In this regard, the agriculture department has accelerated its work in various sectors. Including improving water courses to meet the water shortage, updating agricultural research centers to provide facilities and get results. Meanwhile, recently, the Sindh government has provided more than 55 billion DAP and urea to farmers in Sindh. Providing subsidies is also a great help. Many such steps can be taken for better agricultural production. In this regard, Director General Agriculture Extension Allahwarayo Rind said that climate change has definitely caused great damage to the world’s agriculture and the above-mentioned conferences and finding solutions for sustainable development are the best course of action. In this regard, the Agriculture Department of the Sindh Government is working day and night to provide useful and up-to-date information to the farmers and growers.

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