: A three-day international conference on climate-resilient mountain agriculture has begun in Swat, bringing together more than 100 researchers, scientists and experts from Pakistan and abroad to address the growing impacts of climate change on mountain farming and rural livelihoods.
Organised by the University of Agriculture Swat, the conference is being held under the theme “Bridging Research, Innovation and Mountain Communities.” It aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices and strengthen cooperation between researchers and local communities.
Climate Change Poses Growing Threat to Pakistan
Addressing the inaugural session, University of Agriculture Swat Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Daud Jan welcomed participants and outlined the conference’s objectives. He also briefed attendees on progress, initiatives and policy-related developments following last year’s conference.
Commissioner Malakand Division Iqbal Hussain attended the opening day as chief guest and highlighted the severe consequences of climate change for Pakistan, particularly the devastating floods of 2022.
He noted that Pakistan contributes less than one per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions but remains among the countries most vulnerable to climate-related disasters.
According to the figures cited during his address, the 2022 floods affected approximately 33 million people, claimed more than 700 lives, displaced around eight million people and caused an estimated $30 billion in economic losses.
The disaster also destroyed crops across more than four million hectares of agricultural land and resulted in the loss of approximately one million livestock. Nearly 2,000 health facilities and more than 56,000 schools were reportedly affected, while World Bank estimates indicated that around nine million people were pushed into poverty.
Mountain Agriculture and Water Security at Risk
The commissioner stressed that Pakistan’s more than 7,000 glaciers are vital to the country’s water resources and mountain agriculture. However, rising temperatures and environmental pressures are creating serious risks for farming, water availability and livelihoods.
He warned that Pakistan’s gross domestic product could decline by 18 to 20 per cent by 2050 if climate change is not addressed through timely action.
Hussain also emphasised that floodwater could be transformed from a destructive force into a valuable resource through effective storage and agricultural use.
He called for a range of measures to strengthen climate resilience, including:
Soil conservation and rainwater harvesting.
Terraced farming on mountain slopes.
Agroforestry and the construction of small dams.
Modern irrigation techniques.
Climate-resilient seeds and advanced agricultural research.
Improved access to scientific knowledge for farmers.
He urged universities, researchers, government departments and farming communities to coordinate more closely and translate scientific findings into practical solutions for agricultural challenges.
Researchers Highlight Innovation and Local Knowledge
During the first day, Professor Dr Jamal, Professor Dr Farman, former Chief Conservator Sanaullah Khan and other researchers delivered lectures and shared their research findings and experiences.
Speakers emphasised that combining scientific research, innovation and local knowledge is essential to protecting mountain agriculture from climate-related risks.
They also highlighted the importance of sustainable farming practices in improving food security and strengthening the livelihoods of communities living in mountainous regions.
The three-day conference aims to deepen collaboration among experts, universities and mountain communities while developing practical recommendations for sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture.
The discussions are expected to contribute to efforts to protect agricultural productivity, strengthen water security and improve the capacity of mountain communities to respond to climate-related challenges.