Islamabad [Pakistan] December 8 (ANI): On World Soil Day, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) released an assessment finding that Pakistan’s soils generally show low fertility and widespread nutrient deficiencies, Dawn reported.
The FAO analysis noted that organic matter is alarmingly low in most soils, weakening soil structure and reducing water retention. As of 2022, Pakistan had about 36 million hectares of agricultural land: roughly 30.2 million hectares of arable land, 5 million hectares of permanent meadows and pastures, and 0.72 million hectares of permanent crops. Forest land covers around 2.5 million hectares.
Soils are predominantly alkaline, with extensive salinity and sodicity problems, particularly in irrigated areas. Erosion and pollution are also common. The report recommended a comprehensive national soil policy to provide a clear framework for stakeholders and guide soil governance at national and provincial levels.
It suggested introducing new laws or amending existing ones to address gaps related to overgrazing, mining impacts, urbanisation, and climate change-driven degradation. Revisions should strengthen soil protection rules, tighten enforcement, and clarify responsibilities among government and non-government actors.
The FAO urged formal interagency coordination to bring relevant ministries together for cohesive soil governance. Intensive farming practices have caused nutrient depletion and waterlogging in many regions, while deforestation and overgrazing have accelerated erosion and depleted organic matter. Uncertain land tenure discourages long-term investments in sustainable soil management.
Many farmers remain heavily dependent on chemical fertilisers, especially in Punjab, which accounts for about 70 percent of the country’s agricultural output. Although reforestation efforts have shown progress in some areas, illegal logging and weak forest conservation enforcement threaten Balochistan and Sindh. Provincial agencies often lack the capacity to enforce rules consistently, particularly in remote areas, and weak penalty enforcement reduces deterrence.
Industrial pollution is a concern due to poor monitoring and limited legal follow-up; agencies frequently lack the expertise and staff to implement and oversee soil-related policies effectively. Limited extension services have left substantial knowledge gaps on sustainable practices.
The FAO assessment reviewed soil-related strategies and legal frameworks in Pakistan and offered targeted recommendations for policymakers to close policy gaps and improve implementation and monitoring. It evaluated these frameworks for their effectiveness in addressing key soil threats and their potential for improvement, Dawn noted. (ANI)
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