Healthy soil, which is also rich in organic matter, microbes and nutrients, is essential not only for agricultural productivity but also for enhancing air quality and water environments. However, in its latest analysis on Pakistan's soils, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has found that they generally suffer from low fertility and major nutrient deficiencies, including essential elements. The analysis notes that organic matter levels in most soils are critically low, weakening soil structure and reducing water retention.
Agricultural Land in Pakistan
In Pakistan, around 36 million hectares are classified as agricultural land as of 2022. Out of this, approximately 30.2 million hectares are used for arable farming, 5 million hectares for permanent meadows and pastures and 0.72 million hectares are dedicated to permanent crops. Around 2.5 million hectares of the country's total area are classified as forest land.
Pakistan’s soil is predominantly alkaline, with large areas affected by salinity and sodicity, particularly in irrigated agricultural areas. Erosion and pollution are also widespread issues. Moreover, organic matter levels critically low, leading to reduced soil structure, poor water retention. Extreme heat, erratic rainfall, prolonged floodwater stagnation and widespread tree loss have damaged soil structure and reduced the activity of crucial beneficial soil microorganisms responsible for nutrient cycling.
Causes of Degradation
Salinity, sodicity, erosion and pollution are damaging the farmland.
Intensive farming practices have contributed to nutrient depletion and waterlogging in many agricultural areas.
Deforestation and overgrazing have accelerated erosion and the loss of organic matter.
Land tenure issues, such as insecure ownership, discourage long-term investments in sustainable soil management.
Urbanization is steadily turning fertile land into concrete, resulting in rising urban temperatures and the formation of heat islands.
Many farmers still rely heavily on chemical fertilizers, including in key agricultural regions such as Punjab, which accounts for 70% of the country's agricultural output.
While reforestation efforts have produced positive results in some regions, deforestation remains a significant threat in Balochistan and Sindh because of illegal logging and insufficient enforcement of forest conservation laws.
A lack of capacity within provincial agencies has also resulted in inconsistent enforcement, particularly in rural and remote areas. Weak enforcement of penalties limits their deterrent effect.
Violations such as industrial pollution persist due to gaps in monitoring and legal follow-up.
These agencies often lack the expertise and personnel necessary to effectively implement and monitor soil-related strategies and legal frameworks.
Limited extension services have also contributed to significant knowledge gaps on sustainable practices.
Plastic pollution, loss of vegetation cover and poor soil management practices are undermining soil health at a time when climate change is knocking at our future.
Way Forward
The FAO analysis has recommended to:
Develop a comprehensive national soil policy that integrates various aspects of soil management.
This policy should provide a clear framework for all stakeholders and guide the implementation of soil governance at national and provincial levels.
Add new legal frameworks or amendments to existing ones to address gaps, particularly focusing on critical issues such as overgrazing, mining impacts, urbanization and the effects of climate change on soil degradation.
Revise in the existing laws to close gaps and strengthen regulations concerning soil protection, including tightening enforcement provisions and clarifying responsibilities among various governmental and non-governmental entities involved in soil management.
Create formal mechanisms for interagency coordination that brings together relevant ministries to ensure a holistic approach to soil governance.
The writer is a student at the University of Narowal.