British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott inaugurated an innovative Climate Smart Farming Tower in Okara, aimed at helping farmers save water, cut costs, and achieve higher yields.
The initiative is part of the UK-supported Climate Smart Farming Promotion Programme in Pakistan.
The newly launched system, known as the Eddy Covariance Flux Tower, measures real-time exchanges of water, carbon, methane, and energy between land and atmosphere. Experts said the technology is already supporting the Punjab Irrigation Department with efficient water management while also enabling the Ministry of Climate Change to compile more accurate greenhouse gas emission reports.
Affordable technology for farmers
During her visit, Jane Marriott was also briefed on soil moisture sensors—low-cost devices that help farmers determine when and how much to irrigate their fields. These tools are credited with reducing water and electricity usage while boosting crop yields. Farmers in Okara have reported lower costs and improved harvests since adopting the technology.
UK’s commitment to climate resilience
Speaking at the event, the British High Commissioner emphasized the urgency of proactive action against climate risks.
“It is no longer enough to respond after the crisis; we have to take action now. What we are seeing in Okara is a great example of science-based, practical cooperation between Pakistan and the UK,” she said.
The inauguration comes at a time when Pakistan is grappling with widespread flooding. Dr. Mohsin Hafeez, Director of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), stressed the need for long-term, science-based planning instead of reactive approaches.
He explained that combining Flux Tower data with satellite information would provide more precise national estimates of water use, carbon balance, and methane emissions, helping Pakistan shape stronger climate policies.
