FAISALABAD: German expert Dr Gerwin Dreesmann has said that solar energy is the most efficient and cost effective source for the irrigation system.
He was talking to Vice Chancellor University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan during a meeting held at the VC’s Chamber. Dr Gerwin, the Consultant, Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park, was flanked by Regional Director Rashid Majid.
UAF Dean Faculty of Agricultural Engineering Prof Dr Allah Bukhsh, Dr Anjum Munir, Director Procurement Rana Khalid and Dr Ahsan Raza also attended the meeting.
The German scientist said that the water scarcity issue was hitting the globe, and impact was being felt as climate change and changing weather pattern are posing multiple threats.
He said that Germany was focusing on the solar energy for irrigation purposes in the field. Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said that the country is exporting 2 billion dollar rice at the heavy cost of water as rice consumes 44 gallons of water for one kg production only.
He said Pakistan is placed in red zone in water scarce countries. He said water crisis is deepening. “It is need of the hour to switch our focus to water efficient crops”, he said.
He said the country is importing pulse and edible oil worth 4 billion dollars. “If we become self sufficient in edible oil, we can save millions of rupees”, he said.
Dr Iqrar said that Punjab Bio Energy Institute was being set at the University. A 100 Kilo watt of bio energy plant would be established at the campus to promote the technology.
Prof Dr Allah Buksh said that the per capita water availability had decreased to 1000 cubic metre compared to 5000 cubic metre availability in 1947.
He expressed his conern that severe water crisis looms and can cause devastation in coming years if steps were not taken to increase water storage capacity.
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