KARACHI: ‘Consecutive droughts, climate change, shortage of water, mismanagement of local natural resources, population growth, dependence on rain-fed agriculture, less importance given to livestock management on scientific basis are the main causes of food insecurity in Thar’ This was said by speakers on the occasion of World Food Day which was observed on Tuesday.
Amber attributed the food insecurity in arid and semi-arid areas of Sindh to consecutive droughts, shortage of water, mismanagement of local natural resources, population growth, dependency on rain fed agriculture and less importance given to livestock management on scientific basis.
Woman community activist, Fatima said that Thari people were facing the issue of food shortage due to scanty monsoon rains.
She said that pre-drought, the Thari populace used to harvest wild fruits and vegetables, dry them and store them for later.
She demanded that the government of Sindh launch a special campaign for drought resistant trees plantation in Thar and women be given the task of nurturing those saplings on a paid basis.
“People in Thar rely on livestock for sustenance.
If there is no livestock, people will lose access to milk, butter and yogurt and that would worsen the malnutrition issue,” explained Sand.
He also urged the government to initiative development activities in remote villages of Thar in order to generate employment for the locals.
Jhaman Das said that food items available in local market of Thar were low quality products.
“As a result, people of Thar suffer from health conditions,” he shared.