Muhammad Saleem

Pakistan has long been braving climate challenges in agriculture, which requires policymakers to update the national curricula to effectively deal with this natural phenomenon.

Talking to WealthPK, Dr. Ijaz Ahmed, an agriculturist, said the value of degrees that combine academic learning with practical experience had steadily grown over time. He explained that in light of emerging challenges, it was evident that education was not just about degrees — it’s about preparing future farmers and leaders to tackle the real climate challenges. “I believe our curricula need modern approaches. An updated curriculum is the first step toward a greener and safer Pakistan,” he said.

“We need to train our students in modern techniques such as climate-smart farming, water conservation, and soil health management. With this mantra, we can prepare our future generations with the required resources and knowledge to confront the emerging challenges facing the agriculture sector. It’s time to move away from the outdated practices and teach our students what’s relevant now,” he added.

Dr Ijaz said Pakistan’s farming community is grappling with unpredictable weather, drought-like conditions, and floods. Unseasonal rains, he noted, have added to the problems – sometimes bringing too much water, and sometimes none at all. As a result, he said, crop yields suffer, and food production goes down, creating financial issues for farmers. Besides, he said, pest attacks and crop diseases are also increasing because of climate change. He emphasized that only new farming methods can help farmers tackle these issues.

If these methods are not taught in the educational institutions, future farmers won’t know how to survive, he added. Shehryar Ahmed of the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, told WealthPK that in the wake of the current speed of global advancements and emerging requirements, there is an urgent need to make sure that the curriculum meets the demands of modern times.

He pointed out that the National Curriculum Review Committee (NCRC) on agriculture degree programs discussed the curriculum issues in a recent meeting held at the Center for Advanced Studies, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC). He said the UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Zulfiqar Ali informed the participants that the university revisits its curriculum regularly to produce skilled manpower capable of addressing the contemporary world challenges.

He said Pakistan’s agriculture sector is currently facing various issues such as climate change, poor soil conditions, and low productivity. Quoting Dr. Amjad Hussain, Director General (Curriculum) of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Dr Ijaz emphasized the importance of strengthening the agricultural education system, nurturing graduates ready to face the future challenges, and advancing Pakistan’s sustainable agricultural development goals. Dr. Ijaz Ahmed said turning a blind eye to climate change will inflict an irreparable loss on the agriculture sector of Pakistan.

“We have to accept that climate change is a reality, and only educational institutions with a modern curriculum can prepare our youth to deal with it wisely,” he added. For example, he noted, they can learn about crop rotation, drip irrigation, and solar-powered tools. If future farmers and agricultural officers are equipped with these methods, they can make farming more stable and eco-friendly. Education is the strongest weapon in this fight, he emphasized.

Credit: INP-WealthPk