A famine-like situation is likely to prevail in Sindh this year due to 50 percent fall in the cultivation of all crops in the Kharif season, according to rough estimates prepared by the Sindh Chamber of Agriculture (SCA).
Cash crops that have been severely affected are sugarcane, cotton, rice, Jowar, Bajra and all sorts of green vegetables. Of these, the growers have not even touched the cultivation of Jowar and Bajra and many green vegetables like green chillies, onions, carrots, etc.
Paddy needs more water, therefore, this crop has been cultivated at rare places mostly in Upper Sindh. Husking plants have pulled down their shutters. Rice traders have migrated to other cities in search of other business.
The production of sugar per annum in Sindh is on an average estimated at about 1.2 million tonnes. This year its production will be down by about 50 percent.
Banana crop was spread across Sindh. About 75 percent of this crop has disappeared and the lands have been vacated for other crops. But shortage of irrigation water has adversely affected all the crops and lands are lying vacant.
Orchards of lemons, Kinoos and mangoes are seen at rare places.
Due to severe shortage, water theft was on the increase from the streams and canals wherever any water was available. Rangers were posted in aid of police to check the theft. Theft has disappeared but shortage is there.
The current monsoon season is almost departing, but there is no rain. There is no hope of availability of water in near future. The entire wild life across the province is affected and many species have practically disappeared. Fish is hardly available in Sindh.
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