KARACHI: The Sindh government has cancelled the leaves of Agriculture Department officers and staff to deal with the expected rains and possible flood situation in the province.
On the orders of Agriculture Minister Sardar Muhammad Baksh Mahar, a rain emergency cell has been set up at the office of the Director General Agriculture in Hyderabad. The cell will provide direct assistance to farmers in case of emergency.
According to an Agriculture Department spokesperson, emergency centers have been established up to the tappa level across Sindh. Directors and Deputy Directors have also been appointed as focal persons in 30 districts to ensure immediate action in case of floods.
A 24/7 control room has been activated in the Agriculture Extension Wing, Hyderabad, under the supervision of the DG Agriculture Extension Sindh.
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The agriculture minister has directed officers to stay in their districts, remain in close contact with farmers, and send daily reports to Secretary Agriculture Muhammad Zaman Narejo. He assured that farmers affected by floods will be provided with seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural machinery without delay.
The minister also instructed the Engineering Wing to keep bulldozers and other machinery ready to support district administrations when required. Officers have been told to maintain coordination with PDMA and other institutions.
For farmers’ convenience, a helpline number (0311-1164611) has been issued. The Chief Minister of Sindh has also assigned special duties to ministers on both banks of the Indus River to deal with any emergency situation.
Sardar Muhammad Baksh Mahar said that climate change is worsening flood risks in the country and causing serious challenges to the agriculture sector.
