New Agri Policies Promote Olives and Pulses Over Traditional Crops
Speaking on the theme “Sustainable Transitions: From Dependent to Independent Crops,” Mr. Haris underscored the unsustainable nature of Pakistan’s dependence on water-intensive crops like wheat, particularly in light of declining rainfall and worsening climate conditions.
He advocated for a shift toward less water-demanding crops — such as olives, millet, and pulses — to better utilize arid lands, enhance farmers’ livelihoods, and foster local economic opportunities.
“By adopting these alternatives, we can generate enough income to import wheat if needed, rather than letting our lands go to waste,” he said.
The session also explored the escalating problem of overpackaging, especially in small-scale consumer goods.
Mr. Haris highlighted the environmental harm caused by excessive packaging waste and stressed the need for action through corporate accountability, green financing, and strong policy measures — particularly within the frameworks of SDG 12 and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Sustainable Transition in Agriculture?
A sustainable transition in agriculture refers to the shift from traditional, resource-intensive farming practices to methods that are more environmentally friendly and climate-resilient. In Pakistan’s context, this means moving from crops like wheat and sugarcane to alternatives like olives, millet, or pulses, which require less water and are better suited to arid regions.
What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?
Extended Producer Responsibility is an environmental policy approach where manufacturers are held accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, especially waste management. In 2025, Pakistan is increasingly pushing for EPR to tackle the mounting problem of packaging waste from consumer goods.
What is the Role of SDG 12 in Packaging Reform?
SDG 12 focuses on responsible consumption and production. In the context of packaging, it encourages industries to reduce plastic use, improve recycling, and adopt sustainable materials. Pakistan’s push to implement SDG 12 in 2025 includes reforms in retail packaging and corporate accountability.
What Are Water-Intensive Crops and Why Are They a Problem Now?
Water-intensive crops, like wheat, sugarcane, and rice, consume large quantities of irrigation water. With rainfall decreasing and aquifers drying up in Pakistan due to climate change, these crops are becoming less viable. Switching to drought-tolerant crops is now a national priority.
How Is Climate Change Impacting Pakistan’s Food Security in 2025?
Climate change is causing erratic weather patterns, water shortages, and land degradation in Pakistan, directly threatening food production. This has led to policy shifts in 2025 that focus on sustainable farming, agri-credit expansion, and crop diversification to ensure national food security.
What is Crop Diversification and Why Is It Needed Now?
Crop diversification is the practice of growing a variety of crops instead of relying on one or two main staples like wheat or sugarcane. In 2025, Pakistan is promoting diversification toward crops like pulses, millet, and olives to adapt to climate change, conserve water, and improve soil health. It also reduces economic risk for farmers dependent on a single crop.
