The Mohmand district, a region significantly affected by climate change, presents both challenges and opportunities. With proper planning, the devastating impacts of climate change can be mitigated, and the region can turn the threats of heavy rains and floods into a beneficial resource.
Historically, areas like Haleemzai, Khwezai, Baizai, Pindialai, and Safi have been severely impacted, with groundwater levels depleting rapidly over the last twelve years, leading to the drying up of wells and turning thousands of acres of agricultural land barren.
Reviving Agriculture Through Water Management
Experts have observed a positive shift this year, as increased rainfall has raised the water table in these areas, temporarily alleviating water scarcity issues. This presents a crucial opportunity to restore agriculture by constructing small rainwater and check dams to store floodwaters, which could potentially bring about an agricultural revolution in the region.
For over a decade, the decline in groundwater levels led to a severe water crisis in the four tehsils of Mohmand district—Haleemzai, Khwezai, Baizai, and Pindialai—along with parts of Safi, leaving agricultural lands barren and resulting in widespread unemployment. The situation grew so dire that families in areas like Kuz Gandao and Babi Khel were forced to migrate due to the unavailability of drinking water.
However, the recent increase in rainfall has brought water back to dried-up wells, temporarily resolving the drinking water crisis. Now, the focus must shift to reviving agriculture, and the only way to achieve this is by storing rain and floodwater.
A Record Year for Rainfall and its Impact
This year has seen record-breaking rainfall, with flash floods causing significant damage, including the destruction of mud houses and flooding of seasonal streams. Despite the challenges, the heavy rains have also rejuvenated rainfed agricultural lands, allowing residents to harvest wheat for the first time in a decade, leading to self-sufficiency in bread production for several months. Additionally, fodder for livestock has become available.
District Director of Agriculture, Asif Iqbal, views the increased rainfall as a positive sign for the future of agriculture in the region. He emphasizes that mitigating the adverse effects of climate change through preventive measures is possible. Iqbal advises farmers to opt for modern hybrid seeds for crops like wheat, maize, and vegetables, as these seeds are more resilient to extreme heat and can yield larger harvests.
He also advocates for the adoption of modern drip irrigation techniques, which could save up to 50% of water and allow for the cultivation of additional crops. Proper water management, including the controlled use of water pumps and tube wells, is essential to sustaining agriculture in the region.
Community Efforts and Government Initiatives
Local farmers, who rely on dug wells, solar, and irrigation methods, are keenly aware of the challenges posed by climate change and are eager to continue their profession by adapting to these changes. There is a pressing need for emergency measures to combat climate change, including the construction of protective embankments and more small dams to safeguard populated and agricultural areas from floodwaters.
Engineer Asad Khan from the Soil and Water Conservation Department highlights that over the past decade, the depletion of water levels has severely impacted agriculture and livestock. The only viable solution is to ensure the availability of water, primarily through rainfall. In addition to government initiatives, people must recognize the importance of water conservation, such as collecting rainwater from rooftops and courtyards for household use or channeling it into underground water tanks. This approach could help stabilize water levels, prevent flooding, and even support kitchen gardening.
The Role of Forestry in Combating Climate Change
Forests and trees play a crucial role in mitigating the negative effects of climate change. The filling of rainwater dams like the Gandao Dam in Haleemzai, Chanda Small Dam, Pindialai Barani Dam, and Parang Ghar Moto Shah Dam has had a positive impact on both agriculture and drinking water supplies. The availability of water around these dams has created a favorable environment for afforestation.
Divisional Forest Officer Shahid Anwar emphasizes that Pakistan is among the top five to six countries most vulnerable to the negative impacts of global warming, necessitating urgent action. The simplest and most cost-effective method to combat these effects is through afforestation. The Forest Department in Mohmand district has planted trees in various locations as part of the provincial government's special afforestation campaign, which is still ongoing.
However, for these efforts to succeed, public cooperation is crucial. Protecting young saplings from free-grazing livestock is essential to ensure they grow into trees that can cool the environment and protect agricultural lands from erosion during floods.
The Path Forward
To successfully combat climate change and revive agriculture in the Mohmand district, it is imperative to take a holistic approach. This includes building infrastructure for water storage, promoting modern agricultural practices, and involving the community in conservation efforts. The government's initiatives, combined with community action, can lead to sustainable development in the region, ultimately turning climate challenges into opportunities for growth and prosperity.
30 Mar, 2025
30 Mar, 2025