The wise words of Muhammad Allama Iqbal, spoken in the context of nation-building, if interpreted literally, reveal the immense potential of Pakistan’s arid lands. With the right combination of effort and innovation, these lands can be transformed into flourishing agricultural hubs, contributing to the country’s economic growth and food security.
World Food Day, which we celebrate every year, is a moment for us to remember just how important food is in our lives. This year’s theme, “Water is Life, Water is Food. Leave no one behind.” shines a light on how closely connected water is to producing the food we need. Water is the lifeblood of our food system. Without it, crops cannot grow, livestock cannot prosper, and people cannot eat. However, in arid regions, water is inherently scarce, necessitating its careful and optimal utilization.
Enrichers Investment Group’s agricultural wing, Arid Land Development (ALD), is an initiative to transform Pakistan’s deserts into lush green landscapes. ALD is dedicated to developing sustainable and innovative agricultural practices, including water management solutions, to enhance food security and livelihoods. This undertaking represents a substantial, long-term investment on a grand scale.
The big question we face is this: Can we really make our food supply more secure by managing water effectively? Is it possible to use the power of water to ensure that we have a consistent and reliable food supply?
Let’s take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Across the world, we’ve seen countries confront similar challenges and triumph through effective water management. We have a wealth of global examples of successful Arid Land Development, from countries such as the USA, KSA, Abu Dhabi, China, India and Australia, to name a few.
As one of the world’s most water-scarce nations, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is implementing various strategies to fortify its water security, a cornerstone for realizing its socioeconomic ambitions outlined in Vision 2030. Amidst the unforgiving terrain of arid lands, Saudi Arabia has boldly pursued a path of agricultural innovation. The Kingdom has channelled significant resources into developing sustainable solutions to combat water scarcity and increase productivity in its agricultural sector. The Al-Hasa Oasis, located near the towns of Hofuf and Abqaiq in Eastern Province, is one of the largest and oldest oasis in Saudi Arabia, covering an area of approximately 30,000 acres (12,000 hectares). The government has implemented a comprehensive irrigation system using modern technologies, enabling farmers to grow a variety of crops such as rice, corn, vegetables and some fruits. (“Oasis” Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Aug. 2023)
An excellent illustration of this concept can be found in Libya’s Great Man-Made River Project, the world’s largest irrigation network, with over 4,000 kilometres of pipelines and deep underground wells. It was reported in 2017 that the project delivers 2.5 million cubic meters of water daily (“Great Man-Made River” Britannica, 20 March 2023). It has enabled the expansion of lush green regions in the northern and western parts of the country, effectively curbing ongoing desertification. These green areas play a crucial role in moderating the local climate.
Look at China as an inspiring example: the Kubuqi Desert, located in the Ordos Basin in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China, once among the country’s largest deserts, has been transformed into a flourishing oasis through years of commitment (Chinas Kubuqi Desert WAM – The Emirates News Agency, 12 Oct 2023). The local government achieved this feat by employing innovative solutions such as water management, desertification control, windbreaks, sand fixation, and the cultivation of drought-resistant crops. These efforts not only rehabilitated the land but also significantly enhanced agricultural productivity.
These are just a couple of examples, but they highlight the global trend of nations harnessing the power of water for food security. The common thread in these stories is clear – where there’s innovation in water management, there’s resilience in food production.
ALD is working to replicate the success of these countries. We have conducted extensive research on the soil, water aquifers, and indigenous production in arid lands. This research has been used to develop a range of water management solutions, including:
- Center Pivot Irrigation
- Drip Irrigation Systems
- Soil Salinity Management
- Drought-Tolerant Crops
One of the ways to transform arid/semi-arid lands into prosperous agricultural hubs is by using center pivot and drip irrigation. With a focus on sustainable water management, ALD has carefully tailored a suite of strategies to combat water scarcity and turn the tide of arid adversity.
One of the foundations of ALD’s approach is the implementation of center pivot irrigation. Pivots are large, circular irrigation systems that rotate around a central point. The irrigation pipes are equipped with advanced sprinklers that ensure a uniform distribution of water across the entire crop field. The system is further enhanced with automatic sensors, allowing precise adjustments to the water distribution based on the specific needs of the crops. When a gentle spray is required, it sprays; when a slower, more targeted drip is needed, it drips. Not a single drop is wasted as the system ensures that every precious drop of water finds its intended target. Pivot irrigation systems stand out for their exceptional efficiency, capable of irrigating vast expanses of land with minimal labour involvement. What makes pivot irrigation systems particularly advantageous for arid and semi-arid regions is their ability to conserve water and mitigate evaporation losses. Moreover, these systems excel in irrigating uneven terrain, a common challenge in such regions. Another important approach is drip irrigation that stands as a pivotal method for water optimization. This highly efficient technique delivers water directly to plant roots, significantly reducing evaporation and runoff. Ideal for arid and semi-arid regions, it ensures water reaches its intended destination, maximizing agricultural productivity while conserving this precious resource. By harnessing technology and efficiency, center pivot and drip irrigation hold the promise of transforming arid landscapes into flourishing agricultural havens. To realize the full potential of this transformation, ALD is actively seeking like-minded partners who share the vision of exponential growth for this venture. Collaborative efforts will enable us to expand the reach and impact of these irrigation systems. The government and army have already taken the initiative of making these barren lands green, particularly in Punjab and Sindh. This is a commendable effort, and it is essential to Pakistan’s future. The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) Pakistan is playing a key role in food security by attracting foreign investment in the agriculture sector. The SIFC is working to facilitate the development of large-scale farming projects that use modern irrigation and other technologies to increase crop yields and reduce water consumption. This will help to boost Pakistan’s food production and reduce its reliance on imports.
Nonetheless, in order to unlock the complete potential of this change, we must focus on pivot irrigation. Pivot irrigation systems are expensive, but they are a viable investment in the long term. They can save water and energy, and they can help to improve crop yields. Pivot irrigation systems are also more environmentally friendly than traditional flood irrigation methods. Large-scale farming using pivot irrigation can help to boost Pakistan’s economy in a number of ways. First, it can help to increase agricultural productivity. This will lead to more food being produced, which will help to reduce poverty and hunger. Second, it can help to increase exports. Pakistan is a major exporter of agricultural products, and increasing exports will help to generate foreign exchange and create jobs. Third, it can help to improve the quality of agricultural products. Pivot irrigation systems can help to ensure that crops are watered evenly and consistently, which can lead to higher-quality products.
In the face of financial limitations, small farmers find it challenging to embark on such transformative projects. This is where large corporations can truly make a difference. By coming together in a collaborative effort, we have the remarkable opportunity to pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future. Picture a landscape where once-barren lands flourish with life, where prosperity touches every corner. This vision is not only attainable but also a testament to the tremendous impact of unified action.
ALD’s work is essential to ensuring food security for all that aligns with SDG Goal 2: Zero Hunger.
By transforming arid lands into prosperous agricultural pivots, we can create an ecosphere where everyone has access to safe and nutritious food. These interventions are not mere innovations; they are the building blocks of a brighter, more secure future.
By investing in drought-tolerant crops and harnessing the potential of every drop through water management, ALD ensures that these arid lands are no longer left at the mercy of farmers’ unstrategic approach. We are working to ensure the long-term sustainability of agricultural endeavours, securing a legacy of prosperity for all.
ALD’s tireless efforts are nurturing more than just crops; we are nurturing hope. As we celebrate World Food Day, let us remember that water is the thread that weaves together the fabric of life. Muhammad Allama Iqbal’s words, “Zara Num Ho To Ye Mitti” resonate deeply with ALD’s mission. With the right investments and eco-friendly methods, these barren lands can become lively hubs, showing that water isn’t just a resource; it’s life itself. As Allah said, “And We created from water every living thing.” (Surah 21, verse 30), reinforcing water’s fundamental role as the origin of life itself.
