LAHORE, Oct 04 (DNA): Convener of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Regional Committee on Food Shahid Imran on Sunday stressed the urgent need for constructing water reservoirs on a priority basis to meet the growing water requirements of the industrial and agricultural sectors.

Addressing a seminar on “Conservation of Rain Water”, organized under the aegis of Zia Snacks Family Food Products here, he said the nearly 25 percent water shortage during the current Rabi season was a matter of serious concern and could adversely affect the next wheat harvest.

Quoting official figures, he said wheat production had declined to 27.5 million tonnes against the target of 29.7 million tonnes, while annual consumption stood at around 32 million tonnes, resulting in the need for imports.

Shahid Imran said environmental requirements must be properly assessed and incorporated into water resource planning. The government, he added, should invest in improving irrigation efficiency and promoting water conservation to address the growing challenge of water scarcity. He said farmers, particularly those already facing financial difficulties, should not be forced to bear the cost of decades of institutional neglect. Climate change was making water availability increasingly unpredictable, while the rising population and growing food demand were further increasing pressure on water resources.

The convener said Pakistan needed a comprehensive water policy that looked beyond a single crop, harvest or province. The country, he added, needed to conserve more water, reduce wastage and undertake long-term planning to ensure sustainable availability for agriculture, industry and other sectors.