Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change says China’s sustainable agricultural practices offer valuable lessons
China is leading the charge in sustainable agriculture, balancing high productivity with eco-friendly practices. The country’s innovative farming methods offer valuable lessons for other Global South countries looking to improve their agricultural systems.
Sustainable farming practices are increasingly gaining attention as countries strive to address the challenges posed by climate change and ensure food security. Many developing countries grapple with climate challenges impacting their agricultural sector. Lessons from China’s innovative climate-smart farming practices offer valuable insights as China has been at the forefront of integrating sustainable farming innovations.
Arif Goheer, the head of Agriculture, Forestry and Land Use at Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change explained that the “core of China’s approach lies in climate-smart agro-ecosystems, which integrate cutting-edge technologies, conservation practices, and sustainable farming methods. These systems not only boost agricultural productivity but also mitigate the impact of climate change, reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, promote organic farming, and protect soil health. Such comprehensive strategies resonate strongly with the global push for sustainable development.”
He said precision agriculture, enabled by technologies like drones, sensors, and GPS mapping, allowed farmers to optimize resource utilization, minimize waste, and enhance crop management precision. “This approach not only increases yields but also promotes sustainable land use practices, crucial for long-term agricultural sustainability.
Arif maintained that water-saving technologies, such as drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting systems, and efficient water management strategies, had been instrumental in China’s agricultural success. “These technologies conserve water resources, mitigate drought risks, and improve the water use efficiency of crops, essential considerations for water-stressed regions …”
Moreover, China’s emphasis on data-driven decision-making, leveraging big data analytics, artificial intelligence, and Internet of Things devices, has revolutionized farming practices. Data-driven insights enable predictive modeling, pest and disease monitoring, and crop health assessments, empowering farmers with actionable information for efficient decision-making and risk management.
Pakistan’s climate change official said, “China’s success in balancing agricultural productivity with environmental protection has garnered praise from experts worldwide.” He emphasised how China’s agro-ecosystems served as a prime example of effectively managing agricultural resources while safeguarding the environment.
He concluded by stating that for Pakistan, adopting China’s climate-smart systems and sustainable farming innovations could lead to transformative changes in the agricultural outlook.
Footnote: China’s experiences of agriculture green growth have generated vital lessons for farmers nationally and globally, according to a series of reports from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Investment Centre.
Source: The Nation, May 14, 2024. https://www.nation.com.pk/14-May-2024/china-s-sustainable-agricultural-practices-offer-valuable-lessons-for-pakistan
See also: UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, March 23, 2023. Lessons from China’s farmers in green growth transformation. https://www.fao.org/support-to-investment/news/detail/en/c/1635051/