In response to escalating environmental pressures, including massive water runoff from Balochistan and catastrophic climatic events that recently submerged nearly half of Sindh, two leading agricultural institutions have forged a significant partnership to address shared water management and climate resilience challenges.
According to information today, Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam, and Balochistan Agriculture College (BAC), Quetta, formalised their cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a ceremony at the SAU Senate Hall on Friday. The pact was officially signed by Vice Chancellor Engr. Prof. Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal for SAU and Principal Prof. Dr. Abdul Razzaq Reki on behalf of BAC.
The cooperative effort will primarily target research on water flows from Balochistan’s Nari Basin, the management of drainage water entering Sindh through various channels, and the scientific use of rainwater for sustainable agricultural production. The initiative will also encompass joint research on forestry development in Sindh and rangeland management in Balochistan.
Addressing the ceremony, Vice Chancellor Dr. Siyal highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that approximately 25 percent of Balochistan’s runoff enters Sindh, flowing through key water bodies like Hamal Lake and Manchar Lake. He noted the severe impact of climate change, evidenced by recent events where some areas recorded up to 1,600 mm of rainfall, causing widespread inundation.
Dr. Siyal emphasised that joint scientific investigation is crucial to prevent water wastage, ensure its safe storage, and develop efficient drainage systems. He detailed that under the accord, SAU will leverage its new forestry degree programme to support forest development in Sindh, while experts from both institutions will collaborate on dryland and rangeland research in Balochistan.
Principal Dr. Abdul Razzaq Reki, an alumnus of SAU, expressed pride in the collaborative initiative, stressing that academic institutions must adapt to modern challenges such as economic pressures and rapid technological advancement. He asserted that the MoU would yield long-term benefits for both provinces, their researchers, students, and the wider agricultural sector.
Dr. Muhammad Ismail Kumbhar added that the shared water and environmental issues facing Sindh and Balochistan can only be effectively tackled through scientific research and robust inter-institutional teamwork. He expressed confidence that the agreement would foster practical solutions for food security and climate adaptation.
Under the terms of the MoU, the two institutions will engage in joint research projects, facilitate faculty and student exchange programmes, share laboratory resources, and co-organise workshops and seminars to advance their mutual objectives.