KARACHI: Dr Muhammad Sohail Rajput, Chief Secretary, Sindh, said that considering the country's water scarcity, current technologies might be exploited to increase agricultural production. 

Water Scarcity in Karachi is a serious issue in Karachi:  Dr Muhammad Sohail Rajput

He stated this at a Karachi ceremony hosted by the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP).

The ceremony was attended by representatives of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Speaking on occasion, the members of REAP said that there had been a dispute between Pakistan and India over the Geographical Indicator (GI) tag of Basmati rice, and the Sindh government has backed Pakistan's position by supplying timely figures on Basmati rice production. 

They stated that in various districts of Sindh province, housing societies are being developed on agricultural land, which could lead to a food problem in the future.

Dr Muhammad Sohail Rajput, Chief Secretary of Sindh, claimed that India had attempted to hamper Pakistan's rice shipments to the European Union during his talk. Still, Pakistan had successfully fought for the GI label. 

He added that the nation's economy's current posture is somewhat precarious. The disparity between our exports and imports is significant. The country faces a trade deficit of fifteen billion dollars, he added. He stated that the country's IT exports were only 27 million dollars and needed to be boosted.

Dr Muhammad Sohail Rajput stated that the field of information technology is one in which we can fast train and prepare kids for work and entrepreneurship. 

He continued by stating that other nations have improved their agricultural sectors through technology, while we are falling behind in this area. 

To expand rice exports, the African continent must be considered, and exporters must hunt for new markets, he added.

He went on to say that water scarcity in Karachi has become a significant issue and that we must use seawater as a substitute. Dr Muhammad Sohail Rajput added that we must also alter our nation's water and energy use patterns. 

Due to the energy problem, the federal government has opted to work five days weekly. The Sindh government has also eliminated the 40% petrol quota for executives and cabinet members.

Dr Muhammad Sohail Rajput, Chief Secretary of Sindh, solicited advice from the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan to increase rice production and exports in the province.