FAISALABAD: Sensing the challenges of climate changes, water and soil fertility, the Punjab government is redesigning agroecological zones to increase productivity on the bases of competitive advantage.

The participants of an agriecological zones meeting held on Wednesday at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, learne d such zones were being redefined at a micro level so that per acre productivity of the crops couldbe jacked up 1(eeping in view the climatic, water and soil conditions.

Punjab Agriculture Secretary Muhammad Mahmood said agroecological zones redesigning would recommend farmers to grow the crops suitable to and comparatively productive in their areas.

He asked the team of food and agriculture organisations to bridge a gap in the development of micro agrological zones.

He asked the committee of the agrological zone to try the latest methods and after completion oftheir work, send report to the international agencies for evaluation.

Punjab Agriculture Research Board Chief Executive, Dr Noorul Islam said crops` shift was being witnessed. Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr Iqbal Zafar said Pakistan was facing great challenges of deteriorating agriland fertility, water scarcity and climate changes. He said the government was trying to boost up the productivity.

He said thee redesigning of agro ecological zones would help make development in the agri-culture sector. He said the country was blessed with four seasons and the fertile land system but we could not reap its full potential.

He stressed the need to raise awareness among farmers about the modern agro based technologies.

Arid Agriculture University Vice-Chancellor Dr Rai Niaz said ground water quality was deteriorating posing a threat for agriculture productivity.

He said step-up efforts were neededtoaddresstheissuesatthe national level.